Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FRANCISCA DILIGENTE; MAY TO AUGUST, 1906, by AMELIA WOODWARD TRUESDELL



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FRANCISCA DILIGENTE; MAY TO AUGUST, 1906, by                    
First Line: No more 'indifferent to fate
Last Line: In watchings round the golden gate.
Subject(s): Ingratitude; San Francisco Earthquake And Fire (1906); Ungratefulness


No more "Indifferent to Fate
She sits beside the Golden Gate;"
But casts about with watchful eyes
If Diligence perchance surprise
Some wandering relief supplies;
We thought we had no public squares,
But she has found them everywheres;
They showed up quick with army tents
And shacks and cooking implements;
While from a bread line improvised
Good things she duly authorized,
With life no longer simplified
To coffee and a bacon side.
She mothers well these refuge camps;
And watches all the flickering lamps.

South Market Street in peace abides
Indefinite upon the sides
Of hilly parks whose sacred green
Had never such despoiling seen.
In vain the neighbors may protest
That this continuance is no jest,
For mighty ones serenely say,
"These camper folk have come to stay;"
While vicious wags, "Ah, ha! The boats
Political are steered by votes!"
She gives them tent-schools every day;
The bands for them on Sunday play;
Sermons and hymns, each to his mind,
Assorted here the pious find.

A table d'hôte she has essayed
Beneath the park trees' ready shade;
Till those who toil for bread and cheese
Have sometimes envied refugees.
Who would attack a pile of brick
When soup was waiting hot and thick?
Who likes the mortar-laden breeze
While seats are empty under trees?
And yet, her naughty children cried:
"O Ma, such eggs! They ain't half fried."
Hear that, ye hapless ones who pay
And humbly take what comes your way.
Ingratitude was such surprise
That poor Francisca wiped her eyes,
And thought of her reduced supplies;
Not being learned in landlord lore
Of showing grumblers to the door.

Far from indifferent, of late
She oftentimes consults with Fate
In watchings round the Golden Gate.





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