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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BEAUTY, by MARY CRAIG SINCLAIR Poet's Biography
First Line: How can you smile when pain is everywhere
Last Line: "forgive them, god, they know not when they lie!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Sinclair, Upton, Mrs.
Subject(s): Charity; Philanthropy
First Line: How can you smile when pain is everywhere
Last Line: "forgive them, god, they know not when they lie!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Sinclair, Upton, Mrs.
Subject(s): Charity; Philanthropy
How can you smile when pain is everywhere;
How flaunt complacently your vulgar wealth?
"It is my duty to be gay. My health
And calm delight the eye and banish care—
It would be sad indeed if none were free
To sanction Beauty and embody Joy.
Enough of you, who would with gloom destroy
My grace. I do my share of Charity!"
Your share of charity! Who tipped the scales
To Sophistry and weighed a fancy gown
Against a street rat's need of bread? The nails
Of Calvary, the cross, the thornèd crown,
The face of sorrow that He wore, reply:
"Forgive them, God, they know not when they lie!"
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SONG OF THREE SMILES by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN
RECUERDO by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY
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