@3Charles Toppin@1 FOUR decades back, obedient to the best And truest impulse of your generous heart, You caught the luckless arm of an oppressed, Much-bullied boy, and drew that boy apart. "Young 'Pitts'," you said: (how clear! even now, how firm Your kind voice comes to me!) "I start a 'House' next term." "You must not think, in saying this, I wage War upon any man; for I can fill My small 'House' easily. I do not cadge Pupils—but simply seek to save you ill. You are a boy I'd like to take, so tell Your father to arrange this—if he think it well!" And he who heard—much moved, but hiding his Emotion, as boys do—thus made reply: "Thank you, sir. Thank you. I am leaving. 'Tis No use to ask it." Then you gave a sigh, Shrugged mighty shoulders, mingled with the throng, Forgot your fine attempt to right a cruel wrong. Forgot—to be reminded of your deed (For words @3are@1 deeds!) when five-and-twenty years Had passed. To-day, your Malvern sees your meed: Since that same gesture which once touched to tears An ardent boy, a grateful man sets down In love, as added lustre to your fair renown. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...I LOOKED FOR LIFE AND DID A SHADOW SEE by JAMES GALVIN I WANT TO LIVE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO-MORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MY SENSES DO NOT DECEIVE ME by MARIANNE MOORE NIGHT AND DAY: 2 by ISAAC ROSENBERG HYBRIDS OF WAR: A MORALITY POEM: 1. VIETNAM by KAREN SWENSON |