Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG FOR UNBOUND HAIR, by GENEVIEVE TAGGARD



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG FOR UNBOUND HAIR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, never marry ishmael
Last Line: But not, but never ishmael.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wolf, Robert Leopold, Mrs.


Oh, never marry Ishmael!
Marry another, and prosper well;
But not, but never Ishmael.

What has he ever to buy or sell?
He only owns what his strength can keep,
Only a vanishing knot of sheep,
A goat or two. Does he sow or reap?
In the hanging rocks rings his old ram's bell --
Who would marry Ishmael?

What has he to give to a bride?
Only trouble, little beside;
Only his arm like a little cave
To cover a woman and keep her safe;
A rough, fierce kiss, and the wind and the rain;
A child perhaps, and another again.
Who would marry Ishmael?

The arrogant Lucifer, when he fell,
Bequeathed his wrath to Ishmael.
The hand of every man is set
Against this lad, and this lad's hand
Is cruel and quick. Forget, forget
The nomad boy on his leagues of sand!

Marry another, and prosper well;
But not, but never Ishmael.





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