I am a miser, for I hoard my treasures, Selfish through loving them o'ermuch, Hearts given me for safekeeping; Fragile they are beneath an alien touch. I am a spendthrift, for I waste my substance. Love to the least of His I try to give; All the inanimate creation Takes of the strength I have to live. I am a pauper, for I go through life a-begging, Begging for virtues that I need each day -- Simeon Stylites on his pillar seeking For help to know the righteous way. I am a prince, because gifts have been given Never deserved, except that I have tried, Failed, and tried again undaunted. I am a prince without a bit of pride. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON PARTING by GEORGE GORDON BYRON MONADNOC by RALPH WALDO EMERSON MORITURI SALUTAMUS [WE WHO ARE TO DIE SALUTE YOU] by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE OLD BRIDGE AT FLORENCE; SONNET by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE PALACE OF ART by ALFRED TENNYSON DRUM TAPS TO HEAVEN by JAMES CHURCH ALVORD |