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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ORPHANS OF SHANGHI, by GRACE FRENCH SMITH
First Line: Mere rags of children prowl about the street
Last Line: Divine must be the love to melt the steel!
Subject(s): Orphans; Shanghai, China; Foundlings
First Line: Mere rags of children prowl about the street
Last Line: Divine must be the love to melt the steel!
Subject(s): Orphans; Shanghai, China; Foundlings
Mere rags of children prowl about the street,
And lurk in gutters seeking food like strays,
They live in lonely lofts and alley ways --
Stunned orphans, shocked by war -- emerge -- retreat --
In storm and cold, the sound of rushing feet
Means children stumbling through a hunger craze!
The youth of China beg -- when hope decays --
And fear of starving grips -- they rob to eat!
Avenge, avenge, O God, all lust and greed --
Humanity is hung upon a cross,
With babies crushed beneath a grinding heel!
Somehow may sacrificial love succeed
In washing out the hate and blinding dross --
Divine must be the love to melt the steel!
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