Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE ARMLESS ARTIST: CATASTROPHE, by CORNELIUS WHUR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ARMLESS ARTIST: CATASTROPHE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Alas! Alas!' the father said
Last Line: "this armless boy will ruin me."
Subject(s): Grief; Mercy; Physical Disabilities; Tragedy; Sorrow; Sadness; Handicapped; Handicaps; Physically Challenged; Cripples


[The lines below were suggested by seeing an artist who was born without
arms, who supports himself and his parents also by his
profession.—AUTHOR'S NOTE.]

"ALAS! alas!" the father said,
"O what a dispensation!
How can we be by mercy led,
In such a situation?
Be not surprised at my alarms,
The dearest boy is without arms! ...

"I have no hope, no confidence,
The scene around is dreary;
How can I meet such vast expense?
I am by trying weary.
You must, my dearest, plainly see
This armless boy will ruin me."





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