Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE POOR MAN'S PROVINCE, by JOHN WRIGHT (1708-1727) First Line: I rose betimes to go I knew not where Last Line: Of his poor flock, I shall not be undone. Subject(s): Poverty | ||||||||
I ROSE betimes to go I knew not where, By eventide I found that I was there; And as I went I fell upon a strand, Where all men do obey, but none command.I asked the name of this unpleasant shore; They said, 'It is the Province of the Poor, And lies upon the coast of Want and Wrong, Which you will find as you do pass along.' I went on still an easy country-jog, But presently I met a dismal fog, Which grew so dark I could not see my way, And made me fall upon my knees to pray. Before I did begin, I looked about To see if I could spy a cushion out; But there, alas! was nothing to be found But sighs and sobs upon the naked ground. I thought 'twas something hard, but yet at last I did conclude to stay, night came so fast; And when I thought I would refresh my soul, The country yielded neither fish nor fowl. So nature being weary sought to please Itself with sleep, but there was little ease; For lying down upon a felt'red flock, It yielded to me like a flinty rock. The morning came, the sun went on his race, But pinching wants appeared in ev'ry place. There was a talk of plenty that was nigh, But still the people had no cash to buy. Abundance of good things went up and down, And choice provisions passèd through the town; Yet those that livèd there could do no more Than just behold them running past the door. Whilst I was forcèd here to make abode, I found old rags and tatters alamode; And those that got new clothes never had A penny for their old, they were so bad. Charcoal and billet never touch their fire, Such costly things they must not once desire; 'Tis well if they can get some fuel in By flaying of the earth, to burn its skin. Rich carpets and fine hangings don't become Their drooping cottages, yet they have some Resemblance of such glory on their walls, Where cobwebs hang, and spiders get their falls. Instead of silver plate, an earthen dish, And little there to put, except a wish Of some such dainties as the rich enjoy, Whilst hope and hunger do their peace destroy. I saw no feasting all the time I stayed, But now and then there is a visit paid, To tell each other they are very poor, A story which they knew too well before. When straits are very great they often try To beg or borrow, which will best comply With those to whom they make their sad address, But when they borrow much, they pay the less. When they fall out, they'll speak as big as those Who have it in their hands for to oppose; But after all, no Chanc'ry suits they know, For they are fain to end it all below. There is no trading here, for trade must trust, And trust they can't, for then their starving must Come next in place, so they are bound to live Upon the crumbs which God doth daily give. Would they be frugal, they have naught to spare, So their condition doth impede their care; To spin out nothing is the strangest pull, And none can do't, for nothing hath no wool. And some designing men, who love their gold, Ride through this province, as I have been told, To grind the faces of these wretched souls, Whilst they themselves drink wine in lusty bowls. When I was mounted for to come away, Behind a bush I heard one of them say, 'Christ, and a crust, Lord, sanctify to me; Can I be poor who have a right to thee?' At this my heart began to leap indeed, For now I thought grace might consist with need; And if the Lord be pleased to make me one Of his poor flock, I shall not be undone. | 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 AT LAST WE KILLED THE ROACHES by LUCILLE CLIFTON BETRAND AND GOURGAUD TALK OVER OLD TIMES by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |
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