Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HAIR CLOTH by MARTHA HALE SHACKFORD

First Line: I WEAR NO HAIR CLOTH NEXT MY FLESH
Last Line: WHO WITH THE SAINTS BELONG.
Subject(s): WELLESLEY COLLEGE;

I WEAR no hair cloth next my flesh,
I do not need it there:
I say no penitential psalms,
Nor bend my knees in prayer.

The scourge that stings me with its lash
Is measureless and strong:
It is my distance from their lives
Who with the saints belong.



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