Classic and Contemporary Poetry
POVERTY, by THOMAS TRAHERNE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As in the house I sate Last Line: But now I have a deity. Subject(s): Poverty | ||||||||
As in the House I sate Alone and desolate, No Creature but the Fire and I, The Chimney and the Stool, I lift mine Eye Up to the Wall And in the Silent Hall Saw nothing mine But som few Cups and Dishes shine The Table and the wooden Stools Where Peeple us'd to dine: A painted Cloth there was Wherein som ancient Story wrought A little entertain'd my Thought Which Light discover'd throu the Glass. I wonder'd much to see That all my Wealth should be Confin'd in such a little Room, Yet hope for more I scarcely durst presume. It griev'd me sore That such a scanty Store Should be my All: For I forgot my Ease and Health, Nor did I think of Hands or Eyes, Nor Soul nor Body prize; I neither thought the Sun, Nor Moon, nor Stars, nor People, mine, Tho they did round about me shine; And therefore was I quite undon. Some greater things I thought Must needs for me be wrought, Which till my pleased Mind could see I ever should lament my Poverty: I fain would have Whatever Bounty gave; Nor could there be Without, or Lov or Deity: For, should not He be Infinite Whose Hand created me? Ten thousand absent things Did vex my poor and absent Mind, Which, till I be no longer blind, Let me not see the King of Kings. His Love must surely be Rich, infinit, and free; Nor can He be thought a Gold Of Grace and Pow'r, that fills not his Abode, His Holy Court, In kind and liberal sort; Joys and Pleasures, Plenty of Jewels, Goods, and Treasures, (To enrich the Poor, cheer the forlorn) His Palace must adorn, And given all to me: For till His Works my Wealth became, No Love, or Peace, did me enflame: But now I have a DEITY. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WEALTH OF THE DESTITUTE by DENISE LEVERTOV EMPTY PITCHFORKS by THOMAS LUX FUNERAL SERVICE by EVE MERRIAM A SMALL COUNTRY by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA DOCUMENTAL by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA NOTES ON POVERTY by HAYDEN CARRUTH SONG OF TWO CROWS by HAYDEN CARRUTH PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: CHOICES by JOHN CIARDI |
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