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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: POVERTY Matches Found: 555 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` "ACTON BEAUCHAMP, HEREFORDSHIRE", by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "acton beauchamp, the poorest place in all the nation" Last Line: "a lousy parson, a nitty clerk, and a shabby congregation" Subject(s): Poverty;towns 2 MONTHS RENT DUE AND 1 BAG OF RICE, by LUCI BEACH Poem Source First Line: The kids and her Last Line: As one more grain of her being %slowly slips out Subject(s): Poverty A BALLAD FOR CHRISTMAS-TIDE, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) Poem Text First Line: There is a story that hath oft Last Line: Can bridge securely o'er! Subject(s): Christmas; Evil; Heaven; Hell; Lazarus; Poverty; Wealth; Nativity, The; Paradise; Riches; Fortunes A BED, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm glad I have a good warm bed to snuggle / in to-night Last Line: For the winds are in the alleys and the stars are cold and bright. Subject(s): Beds; Homeless; Poverty A BOOK ON ECONOMICS, by HANIEL (CLARK) LONG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Between long rows of figures lurk Last Line: I see death freeze a baby's smile. Subject(s): Child Labor; Poverty; Women A CHILD'S MINT, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: When young, I kissed a miser man Last Line: Cry out for silver, and for gold. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Debt; Poverty; Social Problems A DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRING IN LONDON, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Now new-vamped silks the mercer's window shows Last Line: "in gray vauxhall now saunter beaux and belles, / and happier cits resort to sadler's wells" Subject(s): Labor & Laborers;london;poverty A FOLK SINGER OF THE THIRTIES, by JAMES DICKEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On a bed of gravel moving Last Line: When I opened my mouth to the rich Subject(s): Poverty; Railroads; Wandering & Wanderers; Railways; Trains; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes A LEAN LAMENT, by FERN M. HARLAN Poem Text First Line: I'm sorry that I waited such a long time to be born Last Line: Will give me strength to last until my dinner. Subject(s): Food & Eating; Poverty A PAUPER POET, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) Poem Text First Line: In a vast city's swarming street, / where crowds sweep wave-like on Last Line: In climes that oceans part! Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Poetry & Poets; Poverty A POOR MAN'S WEALTH, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A poor man? Yes, I must confess Last Line: This opulence of poverty. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Faith; Poverty; Wealth; Belief; Creed; Riches; Fortunes A ROYAL PRINCESS, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I, a princess, king-descended, deckt with jewels, gilded, drest Last Line: I, if I perish, perish: in the name of god I go. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Poverty; Women A SMALL COUNTRY, by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Behind you Last Line: And to feel compassion Alternate Author Name(s): Flakoll, Darwin, Mrs. Subject(s): Children; Third World; Poverty A SONG, by FRANCIS LEDWIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My heart has flown on wings to you, away Last Line: A sad life deep below the depth of words. Subject(s): Love; Peasantry; Poverty A SONG, by HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No riches from his scanty store Last Line: The storm is in my soul. Subject(s): Love; Poverty; Wandering & Wanderers; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes A THIEF, by LOUIS FRECHETTE Poem Text First Line: Twas a bleak winter -- numbers of the poor Last Line: To punish deeds their hearts reject as crimes. Subject(s): Christmas; Crime & Criminals; Poverty; Nativity, The A WAIF, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ragged and starved, with shifting look, and eyes Last Line: And -- by the grace of god -- can be transformed. Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin Subject(s): Poverty A WILD FLOWER, by GUSTAVE LEMOINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A gleaner brown, a rustic flower Last Line: And mingle weeping with the strain. Subject(s): Marriage; Poverty; Weddings; Husbands; Wives ABASEMENT, by THOMAS ANSTEY GUTHERIE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With matted head a-dabble in the dust Last Line: Yet learn that strange delight may lurk in self-disgust. Alternate Author Name(s): Anstey, F. Subject(s): Eyes; Poverty; Self-criticism AGAIN: POVERTY AND RICHES, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who with a little cannot be content Last Line: Endures an everlasting punishment. Subject(s): Poverty AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One sunday morning - service done Last Line: "that's hagricultural distress!" Subject(s): Farm Life; Poverty; Agriculture; Farmers ALL THINGS BE DEAR BUT POOR MENS LABOUR, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Kind country-men listen I pray Last Line: All things be dear but poor mens labour Subject(s): Labor & Laborers;poverty AN AUTUMN REVERIE, by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Alas! Beautiful summer now hath fled Last Line: In general they make a sudden retreat. Subject(s): Hunger; Money; Poverty AN ETON ELEGY, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ye distant spires, ye antique towers Last Line: "by our own alma mater." Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Hunger; Poverty ANSWER TO PAUPER, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't tell me of buds and blossoms Last Line: We'll pass you to the next. Subject(s): Poverty ANYWHERE, NOWHERE, by JOHN WILLIAM LLOYD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, the ignominy! Oh the shame of it, the Last Line: Forever be nowhere? Alternate Author Name(s): Lloyd, J. William Subject(s): Homeless; Poverty; Youth APPLEBAUM'S SUNDAY, by ABRAHAM B. MAGIL Poem Source First Line: Applebaum's sunday is a thing of cautions and carpet-slippers Last Line: In a millon %power Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest ASSASSINATION OF THE POLO CHAMP, by ALFONSO QUIJADA URIAS Poem Source First Line: They killed the polo champ Last Line: And above all because he then started walking %as a poor man among the poor Subject(s): Politics; Polo; Poverty AT LAST WE KILLED THE ROACHES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: All over the place Subject(s): Family Life; Poverty; Cockroaches AYE, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: How many years since I, a wandering man Last Line: Aye ... Aye ... Aye.' Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Poverty BAD BUILDING, by NATALIE KENVIN Poem Source First Line: Two blocks from john your friend from pakistan's bar Last Line: The moon rises dead like the smell of a dime held in a fist Subject(s): Buildings And Builders; Poverty BAD OLD DAYS, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The summer of nineteen eighteen Last Line: And the misery, and the %anger, and the vow are the same Subject(s): Chicago; Evil; Past; Poverty BEAUTIFUL SNOW, by MAJOR SIGOURNEY Poem Text First Line: Beautiful snow! Beautiful snow! Last Line: Pity the homeless exposed to the cold, icy snow. Subject(s): Beauty; Cold; Grief; Happiness; Homeless; Poverty; Snow; Wind; Sorrow; Sadness; Joy; Delight BEFORE I WAS HUNGRY, by WALTER LANE Poem Source First Line: Before I was poor Last Line: Rights of %fishermen, %farmers Subject(s): Appalachia; Farm Life; Poverty BEGGAR, by DOROTHY GREY SMITH Poem Text First Line: I am the beggar who cries for life Last Line: Where any passer can see! Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Poverty BELLIES, by JIM WATERS Poem Source First Line: At washington, %I saw a bass-drum belly Last Line: Of, by and for the bass-drum bellies of the rich Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest BENNY THE BEGGAR, by CALE YOUNG RICE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Old benny the beggar, pocked, ragged and blind Last Line: And hang himself in her corset strings. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Poverty; Sin BENT TONES, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There was a dance at the black school Last Line: She could see floyd little %changing his shirt for the umpteenth time Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Subject(s): African Americans; Heat; Poverty BLACK MESSENGERS, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are some blows in life so hard...I don't know! Last Line: There are some blows in life so hard...I don't know Subject(s): Curses; Fate; Hunger; Poverty BOMBAY, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Here nothing seems new: the rising Last Line: In the wake of an empress now slut Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Bombay, India; Cities; Poverty BOOKS & READING, by JOHN JAY CHAPMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: These journals, notes, and missives of the dead Last Line: Save a small volume on the scholar's shelf. Subject(s): Books; Poverty; Scholarship & Scholars; Reading BOWERY, by LUCY MAROULLETI Poem Source First Line: Spare a quarter Last Line: Is what counts for you %and for me,a s human beings Subject(s): Bowery, New York City; Poverty BRANDON, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Born on the breast of the prairie Last Line: Nations will nurse at her storehouse, and god gives her grain for wage. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes BREAD LINES, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Good god! What keeps men up so late / upon this dripping night Last Line: "some day they'll have to answer us, whether they will or no!" Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Hunger; Poverty; Recessions BREASTING THE ROGUE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We reach a town of barefoot kids. No one Last Line: Life rushes swiftly in one-bar towns Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty BRITISH RURAL COTTAGES IN 1842, by EBENEZER ELLIOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The scentless rose, train'd by the poor Last Line: Where is the aged pauper's rose! Alternate Author Name(s): Corn-law Rhymer; Elliot, Ebenezer Subject(s): Flowers; Great Britain; Poverty; Roses CALCUTTA, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Cow and man loll about Last Line: And slums in flood Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Calcutta, India; Poverty CALGARY STATION, by ISABEL ECCLESTONE MACKAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dazzled by sun and drugged by space Last Line: While a new nation clamors at our gate! Subject(s): Calgary, Canada; Homeless; Poverty; Travel; Journeys; Trips CATALINA EDDIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Dusk to dawn, sleek skunks enjoy Last Line: The annual burning pulse Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty CHICAGO IN DECEMBER, by JEANETTE SELETZ Poem Text First Line: The patient whining cry of a hebrew rag ... Last Line: Any old clothes . . . To sell! Subject(s): Poverty CHILDREN OF THE STREET, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bright boys vociferous Last Line: Some vague philosopher. Subject(s): Child Labor; Great Britain; Newspapers; Poverty; Journalism; Journalists CHRIST'S POVERTY, by WARREN W. SUTTON Poem Text First Line: There was great reality / in christ's poverty Last Line: That we might from our sins be free. Subject(s): Poverty CHRISTMAS SONG OF THE POOR MAN, by ELIZA COOK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A merry christmas, gentlemen Last Line: Oh, a merry christmas tide is mine! Subject(s): Christmas; Poverty; Nativity, The CHRISTMAS, MADISON SQUARE, by GLADYS CROMWELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In dismal darkness stands the christmas pine Last Line: Ascends. Subject(s): Christianity; Poverty; Solitude; Loneliness CITY OF COUGHING AND DEAD RADIATORS, by MARTIN ESPADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I cannot evict them Last Line: A loud-faced man %trumpets from the gallery: %death to legal aid Subject(s): Chelsea, Massachusetts; Hispanic Americans; Landlords And Tenants; Poverty CLOG OF HER BODY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Breathe in, blow out, legs in stirrups, bottom up Last Line: Before you spur him in his sides Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty COLD, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: The boy's hands are blue with cold Last Line: The forecast is not good. Subject(s): Cold; Poverty; Youth COLD MOUNTAIN POEMS, SELS., by HAN SHAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In other days, I was poor enough to suit Last Line: Around the rice-jar, rats wait hungrily Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Poverty COLLECTION, by ERNEST HOWARD CROSBY Poem Source First Line: I passed the plate in church Last Line: Tables of the money-changers, waiting to be overturned Subject(s): Justice; Poverty; Social Protest COMES WINTER, THE SEA HUNTING, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This was your very first wall, your crib against Last Line: Through... Subject(s): Birth; Fathers & Daughters; Ice; Poverty; Sea; Walls; Child Birth; Midwifery; Ocean COMPARATIVE SLAVERY, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me not of negro slavery Last Line: Success awaits you from above Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Poverty; Slavery CONTENTMENT, by WILL S. HAYES Poem Text First Line: The banks are all a bustin,' nance, an' things is goin' to smash Last Line: An' thank him not for what we want, but what we've had an' got. Subject(s): Banks And Banking; Poverty COTTON ROWS, COTTON BLANKETS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Sprawled on the back of a flatbed truck Last Line: Brought to foal in the outlines of summer Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty COUNTRY MARRIAGE, by CAROL FROST Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They married out of school Subject(s): Marriage; Family Life; Poverty; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives CREEK THAT BEARS THE SALMON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Once upon a time Last Line: It keeps perfect time Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty DEATH AND MEMORY, by FRANK STANFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When poor women died Subject(s): Funerals; Poverty; Women; Hair; Burials DEFENSE OF DESOLATION, by WINIFRED WELLES Poem Text First Line: Patiently poverty will tarnish Last Line: As boughs with lilacs, blossom with their small, white ghosts Alternate Author Name(s): Shearer, Harold H., Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty DELIVERED, by A. ANDERS GRAFSTROM Poem Text First Line: The night was chilly -- home gunnar sped Last Line: The deliverer came—it was death! Subject(s): Death; Family Life; God; Hunger; Poverty; Salvation; Dead, The; Relatives DEPRESSION, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So proudly she came into the subway car Subject(s): Unemployment; Disappointment; Poverty; Indifference; Depressions, Economic; Recessions DIALOGUE ON POVERTY, by YAMANOUE NO OKURA Poem Source First Line: On cold night Last Line: But I am no bird, and I %cannot escape from it Alternate Author Name(s): Yamamoue Okura; Okura Subject(s): Poverty DOCUMENTAL, by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let's you and I be a camera Last Line: My tears, / my obsession Alternate Author Name(s): Flakoll, Darwin, Mrs. Subject(s): Nicaragua; Modern Life; Poverty DOES IT PAY?', by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If one poor burdened toiler o'er life's road Last Line: Then, life was worth while Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty DRAB STREET, by JEAN HOLMES MINTY Poem Text First Line: I rather love a drab street Last Line: Love, and lovely things. Subject(s): Love; Poverty; Streets; Avenues DUMPSTER DIVING, by DENNIS SCHMITZ Poem Source First Line: The safeway checker's lost count Last Line: With lice-how little he owes any of us Subject(s): Begging And Beggars; Idleness; Poverty; Ragpickers DUST ANGELS, by LAURENCE LIEBERMAN Poem Source First Line: Roaring back into town after all night desert Last Line: Upon her spirit of pauseless %offerings Subject(s): Baths And Bathing; Dust; Haiti; Holidays; New Year; Poverty; Race Awareness; Religion EARTH IS A SATELLITE OF THE MOON, by LEONEL RUGAMA Poem Source First Line: Apollo 2 cost more than apollo 1 Last Line: Blessed are the poor for they shall inherit the moon Subject(s): Politics; Poverty; Space And Space Travel EASTER, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: So death %being the harvest of god Last Line: Dupe, opening, shall find bats far gone with my sap Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Catholics; Easter; Harvest; Holidays; Poverty ECLOGUE: THE COMMON A-TOOK IN, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morn t'ye, john. How b'ye? How b'ye? Last Line: Or I must goo to workhouse, I do fear. Subject(s): Autumn; Farm Life; Fences; Poverty; Property; Seasons; Social Protest; Fall; Agriculture; Farmers; Possessions ECLOGUE: TWO FARMS IN WOONE, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You'll lose your measter soon, then, I do vind Last Line: Why then we sartainly must starve. Good night! Subject(s): Farm Life; Hunger; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers ECONOMY, by JOSHUA KEEN Poem Source First Line: I am a deaf selling key chains Last Line: Lighting cigarettes, fumbling in their pockets for tokens, a transfer Subject(s): Compassion; Poverty EDGE OF THE WORLD, by JILL OSIER Poem Source First Line: The summer my grandmother was dying my father walked me to a Last Line: And crooked jaw, her stubby fingers and coppery skin, her breasts always two %years behind mine Subject(s): Children; Friendship; Poverty EL CONAL: MY GRANDFATHER'S GRIDDLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He'd stand outside %watch his garden for hours Last Line: It was good. There was nothing more to say Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EL MOVIMIENTO, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Hey, ese, you heard about that righteous Last Line: About el movimiento, something about cockroaches Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EL PORVENIR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He paints on the front of his store Last Line: Of women straight from the fields Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EMILIANO ZAPATA EYES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Laura's so goofy over him Last Line: In a hive of drones Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty EMPTY PITCHFORKS, by THOMAS LUX Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Poverty ENCOUNTER, by IRENE CARLISLE Poem Text First Line: Younger than we, she climbed the muddy hill Last Line: And pitying watched us down the sodden road. Subject(s): Poverty; Women EPITAPH, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: This worlds a city full of crooked streets Last Line: The rich could always live and the poor must die Subject(s): Epitaphs;poverty;wealth; Riches;fortunes ESCUTCHEON, by HALA JEAN HAMMOND Poem Text First Line: Something of the abundance of trees, of woods, of deep wells Last Line: The perfect ... Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Poverty EVICTED, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: New gray hairs are adorning my venerable Last Line: Alarm; and we shall join the paupers, out at the county farm. Subject(s): Farm Life; Modesty; Poverty; Agriculture; Farmers EXPERIENCE IN POVERTY; DRAMATIC SKETCH, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How bitterly you speak! Last Line: Of this same fair, good, reasonable world! Subject(s): Poverty EZLN, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Note this / a range of which Subject(s): Clubs (associations); Freedom; Human Rights; Labor Unions; Mexico; Military; Poverty; Strikes; Liberty; Labor Disputes; Lockouts EZLN, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Note this %a range of which Last Line: Terra-cotta idols %smashed to the ground Subject(s): Clubs (associations); Freedom; Human Rights; Labor Unions; Mexico; Military; Poverty; Strikes FACTS, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: One night poor jim had not a sou Last Line: In faith that christ is still alive. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Faith; Poverty; Belief; Creed FARMWORKERS' DAUGHTER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Khaki, everywhere khaki. %not us, boy Last Line: We'll be so outta sight Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty FATHER, MOTHER, by CARLOS GERMAN BELLI Poem Source Last Line: Or an owl's Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Peru; Poverty; Wages FIGURES, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When he walks by an old drunk or a stumbling vet Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Poverty; Women; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse FIGURES, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When he walks by an old drunk or a stumbling vet Last Line: Can't be more than what he owes Subject(s): Alcoholics And Alcoholism; Poverty; Women FINDING A WAY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Where did I leave the recording Last Line: For walking the wrong %side of town Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty FIVE DOLLARS A WEEK, by HERBERT KAUFMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thus is it down on beelzebub's books Last Line: "when a girl hasn't money enough for her board." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Work; Workers FIVE KIDS SLEPT IN THE CAR ON THE LONG HIGHWAY TO L.A. THEIR MOTHER,, by SESSHU FOSTER Poem Source Last Line: From the snack bar. It's hotter than shit today Subject(s): Children; Poverty; Women - Abused FLOWER DAY, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE Poem Text First Line: On flower day the gardens came Last Line: On flower day. Subject(s): Cities; Poverty; Urban Life FOLK SINGER OF THE THIRTIES, by JAMES DICKEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On a bed of gravel moving Last Line: When I opened my mouth to the rich Subject(s): Poverty; Railroads; Wanderers And Wandering FOLKS AT LONESOMEVILLE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pore-folks lives at lonesomeville Last Line: Goes to lonesomeville! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Christmas; Poverty; Santa Claus; Winter; Nativity, The; Nicholas, Saint FOR A' THAT AND A' THAT; SONG, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is there, for honest poverty Last Line: Shall brothers be for a' that! Variant Title(s): A Man's A Man For A' That;honest Poverty Subject(s): Brotherhood; Class Struggle; Equality; Freedom; Mankind; Poverty; Liberty; Human Race FOR MOMS, by LYNN MANNING Poem Source First Line: Somebody asked me the other day Last Line: She's doing 'reeeaal' good Subject(s): Homeless; Mothers; Poverty; Social Problems FOR THE POOR, by HO HYONGMAN Poem Source First Line: Frail in the blade Last Line: The way grass never feels sorry %for its grassiness Subject(s): Poverty FOUR-FLUSHERS, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: Great is the four-flush. In the sporting world Last Line: For life is just a four-flush, after all! Subject(s): Duplicity; Poverty; Sports; Deceit FROM THIS SHORE, by ELIAS MIGUEL MUNOZ Poem Source First Line: You speak of hatred Last Line: Pregnant with arrogance %nailed to an I myself %that brings you so close %to this other shore Subject(s): Emotions; Hate; Hunger; Poverty FUIT ILIUM, by EDWARD SANDFORD MARTIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ere you dissipate a quarter Last Line: And tobacco grows, a weed. Subject(s): Poverty FUNERAL SERVICE, by EVE MERRIAM Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As we poor outnumber the rich, so evil days to good Alternate Author Name(s): Moskovitz, Eva Subject(s): Funerals; Poverty; Burials FUTILITY, by ALPAY ULKU Poem Source First Line: The highway is going to hell in northern wyoming Last Line: The big dipper hangs on its peg %over an empty rain barrel Subject(s): Poverty; Prairies; Wyoming GARBAGE KEEPERS, by DOROTHY BARRESI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Where is their calm, their rest? Last Line: Worm-pink, squirming for milk Subject(s): Poverty; Refuse And Refuse Disposal; Solitude GEORGE, by BARTON SUTTER Poem Source First Line: Didn't own much Last Line: Be poor and follow me Subject(s): Character; Farm Life; Men; Poverty GHAZALS: 2, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I load my own shells and have a suitcase of pressed Last Line: & nitrogen, the rows are crooked and the field limp, depleted.' Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Poetry And Poets; Poverty; Travel GHETTO, by LOLA RIDGE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Lights go out Last Line: By many babies at her teats, %turns on her trampled bed to meet the day Alternate Author Name(s): Lawson, David, Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty GIRLFRIENDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Rosie/ I %got pregnant Last Line: Rosie/I thought %I/she %was lucky Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GIRLS IN TIJUANA, by LINDA K. SIENKIEWICZ Poem Source First Line: Along revolucion street, she braids Last Line: From the ocean into another world Subject(s): Begging And Beggars; Hunger; Mexico; Poverty GLEANINGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Twilight carves a dimple in the valley Last Line: Landscapes that yield their portion of heart Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GOD PITY THE POOR, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: God pity the poor!' I cry Last Line: But how am I pitying them? Subject(s): Poverty GOD TO HUNGRY CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hungry child, %I didn't make this world for you Last Line: Not for you, %hungry child Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poverty; Social Protest GODS IN THE GUTTER, by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I dreamed I saw three demi-gods who in a cafe sat Last Line: Who climbed and climbed the bitter steep to which men turn and pray. Subject(s): God; Paris, France; Poverty GOING TO THE POOR, by ANNETTE WYNNE Poem Text First Line: A little maid tripped down the / street Last Line: And wondered if the poor were I! Subject(s): Charity; Children; Christmas; December; Kindness; Poverty; Philanthropy; Childhood; Nativity, The GOODY BLAKE AND HARRY GILL, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, what's the matter? What's the matter? Last Line: Of goody blake and harry gill! Subject(s): Poverty GREEN CORN SEASON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: You promised you would never keep secrets from me Last Line: To begin in the green corn season Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty GREEN SHOES, by MICHAEL WATERS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Those green shoes on the curb Last Line: Fortune in the unblinking sunlight Subject(s): Homeless; Idleness; Poverty HARLEM SHADOWS, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear the halting footsteps of a lass Last Line: In harlem wandering from street to street. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Harlem (new York City); Poverty; Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels HARMATAN, by PAUL RANDOLPH VIOLI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Yesterday also has its leaves, newspapers Last Line: Of the earth ceaselessly emptying itself Subject(s): Europe; Immigrants; Memory; Middle East - Conflicts; Poetry And Poets; Poverty; Protestantism; Racism; Refugees; Sahara Desert; Solitude; U.s. - Foreign Population HAVING, by ISIDOR SCHNEIDER Poem Source First Line: Having is an equation; the terms Last Line: They coil a rope around you Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest HE WHO IS LIKE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He toasts me with cinzano on the rocks Last Line: Of brown. I have never felt a kinder glance Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HEARINGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We weren't unaware, stuck here Last Line: To bring the sons home safe Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HEART, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The heart shifts shape of its own accord-from bird to ax Subject(s): Hearts; Homeless; Kindness; Poverty; Women HEART, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The heart shifts shape of its own accord-from bird to ax Last Line: Cop-on-the-beat heart with its black billy club, %banging on the lid Subject(s): Hearts; Homeless; Kindness; Poverty; Women HEARTLANDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My son hitched a trailer to his rambler Last Line: A passion for wild turkey in the brush Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HERMES: 8, by ANDRE MARIE CHENIER Poem Source First Line: We live; we live in squalor. And so? It had to be Last Line: It will be you tomorrow, poor imbecile Subject(s): Poverty HEROES OF WAR AND PEACE, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ay, that is a story that takes one's breath Last Line: For the martyrs of peace and the victims of wrong? Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest HIS FATHER CARVED UMBRELLA HANDLES, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Ghettos; Teaching & Teachers; Family Life; Poverty; Despair; Educators; Professors; Relatives HOLY THURSDAY, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE, by WILLIAM BLAKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is this a holy thing to see Last Line: Nor poverty the mind appall. Subject(s): Ascension Day; Bible; Holidays; Mythology; Poverty HOLY THURSDAY, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE, by WILLIAM BLAKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twas on a holy thursday, their innocent faces clean Last Line: Then cherish pity, lest you drive an angel from your door Subject(s): Ascension Day; Bible; Holidays; Mythology; Poverty HOMELESS, by JORGE HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: The years wear %an unsized shoe Last Line: As to give me your little sandals Subject(s): Homeless; Poverty HOMELESS, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: It is cold dark midnight, yet listen Last Line: And dives neglects him still. Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary Subject(s): England; Homeless; Poverty; English HORATIANS: 1, by VICENT ANDRES ESTELLES Poem Source First Line: There's nothing I like as much Last Line: I close my eyes and gulp down the motherfucker Subject(s): Poverty HOUSE, by LUCILA GODOY ALCAYAGA Poem Source First Line: The table, son, is laid Last Line: To sleep with body and soul Subject(s): Family Life; Food And Eating; Hunger; Poverty HOUSEHOLD OF EIGHT, by ABRAHAM REISEN Poem Source Last Line: But you sleep alone Subject(s): Family Life; Poverty HOW GOOD ARE THE POOR, by VICTOR MARIE HUGO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Tis night - within the close-shut cabin door Variant Title(s): The Poor Fisher Fol Subject(s): Poverty HOW GREAT IS LITTLE MAN, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: For what he will he can Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Mankind; Poverty; Wealth HUELGA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Fresno slumps late summer Last Line: As we chant %huelga! Huelga! Huelga! Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty HUNGER, by LYLE BARTSCHER Poem Text First Line: Behind the prison bars of mind Last Line: My heart is beating with his cane. Subject(s): Poverty HUNGRY, by MANJARI MURTHY Poem Source First Line: The children sat under the roof of the old straw hut Last Line: As they went to work some more Subject(s): Child Labor; Hunger; Poverty HUNGRY MAN'S WHEEL, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From between my own teeth I come out smoking Last Line: And now I have nothing, this is hideous Variant Title(s): The Starving Man's Rac Subject(s): Poverty HYMN TO POVERTY, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O poverty! Thou source of human art Last Line: I sink beneath the terrors of thy face. Subject(s): Poverty I AM NOT RICH; I HAVE ONE GARMENT, by JOSEPH ROLNIK Poem Source Subject(s): Poverty I AM THE LITTLE IRISH BOY, by HENRY DAVID THOREAU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And I’m four years old Subject(s): Immigrants; Poverty I KNOW AN AGED MAN CONSTRAINED TO DWELL, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That friendship lasts though fellowship is broken! Subject(s): Old Age; Poverty; Robins; Prisons & Prisoners IF, by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, if the world were mine, love Last Line: No more, I think, shall I. Subject(s): Love - Loss Of; Poverty IF I TRUST MYSELF, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: This time I swore I wouldn't be Last Line: A sweet fragrant planting impossible to remove Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty IF IT COMES TO THIS, by JAMES OPPENHEIM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bitter, bitter Last Line: Or are you an empty word to cover our feeble spirits? Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes IMAGES: 3, by VALERY LARBAUD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Between cordova and seville Last Line: Through their cigar-stench, in the dining-car. Subject(s): Andalusia, Spain; Poverty; Railroads; Travel; Railways; Trains; Journeys; Trips IN A CHOP-SUEY JOINT, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Climb up a flight of darkly-winding stair Last Line: Whose voice betrays her painted wantonness. Subject(s): Dirt; Poverty; Restaurants; Cafes; Diners IN POVERTY STREET, by ELLIOTT FLOWER Poem Text First Line: It's dirty, ill-smelling Last Line: In poverty street. Subject(s): Charity; Poverty; Sacrifices; Philanthropy IN REGENT STREET, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: One of the nightly hundreds who pass Last Line: Or ever I look on the like again. Subject(s): Poverty; Widows & Widowers IN THE CHIROPRACTOR'S OFFICE, by JR. ORVAL A. LUND Poem Source First Line: A woman is talking about her late husband, is talking about Last Line: Pair of new black shoes for his funeral, 'new black shoes for %elwood to walk to jesus' Subject(s): Chiropractors; Love - Marital; Poverty; Women IN THE EVENINGS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I go through my rooms Last Line: Like a ghost Subject(s): Cold; Evening; Ghosts; Poverty; Supernatural; Winter; Sunset; Twilight IN THE EVENINGS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I go through my rooms Last Line: Shaking locks in the night %like a ghost Subject(s): Cold; Evening; Ghosts; Poverty; Supernatural; Winter IN THE SUBJUNCTIVE, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If I were a hotel waiter Last Line: And you're on a magazine. Subject(s): Poverty; Wishes INFLATION, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: The unknowns enrich the grass Last Line: Inflate the bellies of the famous. Subject(s): Grass; Greed; Poverty IT'S NOT ABOUT RACE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: It is thick summer in new york Last Line: Nothing to anchor him to the newly wet lawn Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty IT'S THE SYME THE WIDE WORLD OVER, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text Last Line: Ayn't it all a bloody shyme! Subject(s): Poverty;wealth; Riches;fortunes ITCH, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Although the sun is the cloak of the poor Last Line: This porcupine castrator %itches all over. Subject(s): Poverty; Reproductive System JASPAR, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jaspar was poor, and vice and want Last Line: Upon the maniac's soul. Subject(s): Guilt; Murder; Poverty; Sin; Story-telling JOSEPHINE, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: Hark, the very birds are singing, 'josephine!' Last Line: Josephine? Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Love; Man-woman Relationships; Poverty; Wealth; Male-female Relations; Riches; Fortunes JOY, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: By a street-organ stands a minstrel bawling Last Line: And the dirt of life, and the flies, and the women squabbling. Subject(s): London; Poverty KITCHEN RANGE, by UMBERTO SABA Poem Source First Line: What immense gratitude one feels toward life Last Line: To the people in whom I die, to where was born Subject(s): Family Life; Homecoming; Poverty LA CURANDERA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: She shuffles to the door on faded scuffs Last Line: I can never go to heaven if the old man dies Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LA DERNIERE ROBE DE SOI, by EDITH BLAND NESBIT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, silken gown, all pink and pretty Last Line: Dear gown -- I hope you won't feel lonely! Alternate Author Name(s): Nesbit, E.; Bland, Mrs. Hubert Subject(s): Clothing & Dress; Poverty; Socialism LA LLORONA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Cuca bellies down, her scarred arms from last year's fire Last Line: Bubble of head inches below water Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LA MADRUGADA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The radio alarm clock sputters Last Line: Of harvesting the fields Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LAMENT, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen, children: / your father is dead Last Line: I forget just why. Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs. Subject(s): Lament; Poverty; Social Protest LAMENTS, SELS., by JAN KOCHANOWSKI Poem Source First Line: I'd buy you wisdom, with all of the world's gold Last Line: Like all the rest, I'm flung from its top stair Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Wisdom LAS RUBIAS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Dear modern women's magazine the ads say you can be a Last Line: Against a gold-lit world Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LAST SARK, by ELLEN+(2) JOHNSTON Poem Source First Line: Gud guide me, are you hame again, an' ha'e ye got nae wark Last Line: Were it no for my helpless bairns I wadna care to dee Subject(s): Poverty LATE DEMONSTRATION IN A FRENCH MINING TOWN, by SANDOR CSOORI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The wind blows, all day the wind blows Last Line: From among dented wash bowels %and bones Subject(s): Poverty LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 4. BALLYTULLAGH, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The hamlet ballytullagh, small and old Last Line: Loy, a half-spade. Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius Subject(s): Despair; Mountains; Poverty; Solitude; Travel; Hills; Downs (great Britain); Loneliness; Journeys; Trips LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 8. THE EVICTION, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In early morning twilight, raw and chill Last Line: And firesides buried under fallen thatch. Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius Subject(s): Grief; Labor Unions; Landlords & Tenants; Orphans; Police; Poverty; Strikes; Tears; Sorrow; Sadness; Foundlings; Labor Disputes; Lockouts LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 9. GOING TO THE FAIR, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ere yet the sun has dried on hedge and furze Last Line: And biddy enters lisnamoy in pride; Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius Subject(s): Animals; Country Life; Festivals; Poverty; Fairs; Pageants LETTERS TO YESENIN: 13, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All of those little five-dollar-a-week rooms smelling thick of Last Line: Blood. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Russia; Yesenin, Sergei (1895-1925); Soviet Union; Russians LETTERS TO YESENIN: 17, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Behind my back I have returned to life with much more surprise Last Line: Pier. You might want her even in your ghostly form. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Poverty; Travel; Yesenin, Sergei (1895-1925); Journeys; Trips LETTERS TO YESENIN: 9, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What if I own more paper clips than I'll ever use in this Last Line: Beautiful duck and my time is free again. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Introspection; Poverty; Property; Yesenin, Sergei (1895-1925); Possessions LIFE IS THUS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Never look behind Last Line: Behind. Subject(s): Children; Grief; Life; Parents; Poverty; Childhood; Sorrow; Sadness; Parenthood LIGHTNING, by JOSE SANTOS CHOCANO Poem Source First Line: O ragged mother, holding out thine hand Last Line: And thou dost bear the lightning in thy womb! Subject(s): Poverty; Widows And Widowers LINDISFAIRE, by ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Horses go down the dingy lane Last Line: You'll find the old bay hunter there. Subject(s): Animals; Caregivers; Despair; Horses; Luck; Patience; Poverty LISTENING TO A BROKEN RADIO, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The night is / a black diamond Last Line: Broken radio. Subject(s): Poverty; Radio; Television; Tv LITTLE BRITAIN, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "in ancient times, no matter where" Last Line: "where birds escape the fatal gun, / and men alone are shot at" Subject(s): Debt;great Britain;poverty LITTLE FEET, by LUCILA GODOY ALCAYAGA Poem Source First Line: O tiny feet of children Last Line: And see you not? Subject(s): Children; Feet; Homeless; Poverty; Roads LITTLE MANDY'S CHRISTMAS TREE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little mandy and her ma Last Line: Bigger than the other tree! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Christmas Trees; Poverty; Teaching & Teachers; Childhood LITTLE WILLIE, by GERALD MASSEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Poor little willie Last Line: Be a workhouse grave. Alternate Author Name(s): Bandiera Subject(s): Poverty LONDON, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE, by WILLIAM BLAKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wander thro' each charter'd street Last Line: And blights with plagues the marriage-hearse. Variant Title(s): London Subject(s): Bible; Corruption In Politics; London; Mythology; Poverty; Voices LOVE AFFAIRS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: As if short skirts make a bad Last Line: To see you again, and you tell me %she's pregnant Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty LOVE'S POOR, by RICHARD THOMAS LE GALLIENNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yea, love, I know, and I would have it thus Last Line: T is only, love, because we are so poor. Subject(s): Poverty LOVERS OF THE POOR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Arrive. The ladies from the ladies's betterment league Last Line: Try to avoid inhaling the laden air Variant Title(s): The Lovers Of The Poor Arriv Subject(s): Poverty LUCK'S SHINING CHILD, by GEORGE PALMER GARRETT JR. Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Because I am broke again Alternate Author Name(s): Garrett, George Subject(s): Poverty; Teaching & Teachers; Educators; Professors LUCK'S SHINING CHILD, by GEORGE PALMER GARRETT JR. Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Because I am broke again Last Line: As much or more than his sleek companion, %luck's shining child Alternate Author Name(s): Garrett, George Subject(s): Poverty; Teaching And Teachers MAN WALKS BY WITH A LOAF OF BREAD ON HIS SHOULDER, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: How speak of the not-I without crying out? Subject(s): Poetry And Poets; Poverty; Psychoanalysis MANIFEST DESTINY, by ANSELM HOLLO Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: To arrive in front of large video screen Last Line: In its most obvious form, the poor Subject(s): Poverty MARGERY'S SONG, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a jill-whisper Last Line: With hawthorn in my hair Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Bones; Hunger; Poverty MARRIED PEOPLE, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Young rollo and alice got married last Last Line: Do. Subject(s): Love - Marital; Marriage; Poverty; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Weddings; Husbands; Wives MATTER OF CONTROL, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Don't be afraid %at night Last Line: Your shadow flung %against the land Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MEMORIZING THE CENTER OF TIME, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Drops of memory collect Last Line: To the candy store Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MENU, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: The defendant eats a sardine Last Line: Prisons are for the poor. Subject(s): Food And Eating; Greed; Law And Lawyers; Poverty; Prisons And Prisoners METAPHORIC COCKROACHES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Experts theorize cockroaches survive anything Last Line: The rest of one's life. A treat. Sweet. Iron-rich. Sustaining Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MILKSNAKES AND CHOCOLATE LILIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The children squabbled last night, piercing squall Last Line: Bulbs that smolder five dry years then bloom Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty MIRAGE, by GERALDINE WILLIS Poem Text First Line: I met them playing in an alley-way Last Line: And tottered in the gutter of the street. Subject(s): Poverty MOON OF HUNGER, MOON OF COYOTE HOWL, by JUDY JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heat waves rose with gas fumes from the pump Last Line: Earth this dark, dark star Subject(s): Automobiles - Service Stations; African Americans; Family Life; Poverty; Gasoline Stations; Filling Stations; Automobile Repair Shops; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MOTHER AND DAUGHTER, by JOSEPH BOVSHOVER Poem Source First Line: A mother's at the washtub Last Line: But more than I can bear Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest MOTHER TO HER STARVING CHILD, by ANN HAWKSHAW Poem Source First Line: Oh! Sleep; I dread to see those eyes Last Line: And such, ay such, will be my grief! Alternate Author Name(s): Aunt Effie; Hawkshawe, Ann; Jackson, Ann Subject(s): Grief; Mothers; Poverty MOTOR CITY TIRADE, by DAWN MCDUFFIE Poem Source First Line: Send us your homeless, your crazy Last Line: When the load just gets too heavy Subject(s): Cities; Poverty; Streets MY MASTER AND I, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "says the master to me, is it true? I am told" Last Line: I can promise you we shall not get first in a rage Subject(s): England;peace;poverty; English MY POOR NEIGHBOR, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: My neighbor hath a lordly pile Last Line: While I have home—and you, my dear! Subject(s): Blessings; Family Life; Fathers; Happiness; Neighbors; Poverty; Wealth; Relatives; Joy; Delight; Riches; Fortunes NECROPOLIS, by KARL SHAPIRO Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Even in death they prosper; even in the death Subject(s): Wealth; Poverty; Death; Social Commentaries; Riches; Fortunes; Dead, The NEGLECTED, by MONICA SHIPP CLINE Poem Text First Line: Beside the weather-boarded shanty Last Line: Forgotten and neglected. Subject(s): Cruelty; Desolation; Poverty NOBODY KNOWS, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody knows when de col' winds am blowin' Last Line: An' bime-by de lo'd'll tell humanity ter free 'em. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): Homeless; Poverty NONE CAN EXPERIENCE STINT, by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The poverty that was not wealth - %cannot be indigence Variant Title(s): Poem: 771; Poem: 87 Subject(s): Poverty NOTES ON POVERTY, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Was I so poor / in those damned days Last Line: Stone? I was. Subject(s): Poverty NOTHING TO SPARE, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The hungry children cry for bread, and I Last Line: And gas. Subject(s): Cost Of Living; Depressions, Economic; Hunger; Money; Poverty; Recessions NOW, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: In ireland now, why do so many Last Line: Good night, sweet prince, good night'? Subject(s): Death; Hope; Ireland; Poverty; Rivers; Sea; Suicide O FIGURES IN THE COURTYARD, by ANTONIO MACHADO RUIZ Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Across his black garment %was a white rose Alternate Author Name(s): Machado, Antonio; Machado Y Ruiz, Antonio Subject(s): Begging And Beggars; Poverty OCCUPANT: BLUE ROOF APARTMENTS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The mail addressed to occupant Last Line: Addressed to us by name Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OCTOBER IN THE KINGDOM OF THE POOR, by LORNA GOODISON Poem Source First Line: October, month for rainy weather Last Line: The stars just come and encircle my head %in a gracious diad Subject(s): Africa; Ancestors And Ancestry; October; Poverty ODE TO MY SOCKS, by NEFTALI RICARDO REYES BASUALTO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Maru mori brought me Alternate Author Name(s): Neruda, Pablo Subject(s): Feet; Poverty; Shoes; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers ODE TO MY SOCKS, by NEFTALI RICARDO REYES BASUALTO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Maru mori brought me Last Line: When it is a matter of two socks %made of wool %in winter Alternate Author Name(s): Neruda, Pablo Subject(s): Feet; Poverty; Shoes OLD MARRIED COUPLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He never told anyone he couldn't swim Last Line: He did live, %we should have lived Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OLD TIBOR OF HUNGARY, by NICHOLAS KOLUMBAN Poem Source First Line: Lurk outside like a troll Last Line: That shimmers lovingly in the sun Subject(s): Hungary; Poverty OLD WOMAN, by KATE KIRKHAM Poem Text First Line: Soledad is very old / her meekly patient face Last Line: But there are shadows -- shadows -- night. Subject(s): Poverty OLNEY HYMNS: 53. FOR THE POOR, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When hagar found the bottle spent Last Line: You shall not be forgot. Subject(s): Poverty ON POVERTY, by THOMAS FLATMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O poverty! Thou great and wise-man's school Last Line: And pant, and breathe for immortality. Subject(s): Poverty ON THE FIRST DAY SHE MADE BIRDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: He asked me if I had a choice Last Line: Both alike %endless possibilities Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ON THE INESTIMABLE CONTENT HE ENJOYS IN THE MUSES, by THOMAS RANDOLPH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go, sordid earth, and hope not to bewitch Last Line: I might perchance get riches, and be poor. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Poverty ON VISITING THE CASTLE AND CHURCH OF GRUYERE IN SWITZERLAND, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where gruyere's castle, rearing still on high Last Line: Alone uncared for, crumbling to decay. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Castles; Churches; Poverty; Switzerland; Wealth; Cathedrals; Swiss; Riches; Fortunes ONCE POOR, STILL PENURIOUS, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goes the world now, it will with thee goe hard Last Line: Who is penurious, he shall still be poore. Subject(s): Poverty ONE HUNDRED LOVE SONNETS: 29, by NEFTALI RICARDO REYES BASUALTO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You come from poverty, from the houses of the south Last Line: With my mother. That's why I chose you, companera Alternate Author Name(s): Neruda, Pablo Subject(s): Poverty OPERATION WETBACK, 1953, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The day begins like any other day Last Line: That never brought him home Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty ORATION: HALF-MOON IN VERMONT, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: A horse is shivering flies off its ribs, grazing Last Line: Doesn't poverty just fucking break your heart? Subject(s): Animals; Birds; Girls; Politics & Government; Horses; Owls; Poverty; Vermont ORCHARD OF FIGS IN THE FALL, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Somewhere deep in the san joaquin valley Last Line: A grave of limbs gone wrong Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OTHER MARIAS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Once there were 50 marias Last Line: Definitely not a virgin Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty OUR BREAD, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You drink breakfast. The cemetery's damp earth Subject(s): Food & Eating; Forgiveness; Hearts; Hunger; Poverty; Clemency OUR BREAD, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You drink breakfast. The cemetery's damp earth Last Line: Here, in the oven of my heart Subject(s): Food And Eating; Forgiveness; Hearts; Hunger; Poverty OUR DAILY BREAD, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Breakfast is drunk down...Damp earth Last Line: Here, in the oven of my heart...! Subject(s): Food & Eating; Forgiveness; Hearts; Hunger; Poverty OUR DAILY BREAD, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Breakfast is drunk down...Damp earth Last Line: Here, in the oven of my heart...! Subject(s): Bread; Food And Eating; Hunger; Poverty OUR DESTINATION, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The poorhouse has no persian rugs, no Last Line: Until we climb the stars. Subject(s): Cost Of Living; Poverty OUTSIDE THE TOYSHOP, by JANE BARLOW Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Beside the door they stand, anear the pane Last Line: Shall manhood's craving miss even these poor crumbs? Subject(s): Bread; Food & Eating; Homeless; Hunger; Poverty PANTRY, by EMOKE PULAY Poem Source First Line: Is the boy's hideaway Last Line: Bedtime nightly drags him out Subject(s): Budapest, Hungary; Poverty; Winter PARABLE, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The young man who had great possessions dreamed Last Line: Ever went empty-handed from his door. Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Good Samaritan; Jesus Christ; Poverty PARADISE VALLEY, DETROIT, by NATALIE KENVIN Poem Source First Line: Sweetie holds a kool in her right hand Last Line: With the puny voodoo stink %of her cigarette Subject(s): Detroit, Michigan; Poverty PARISH GUTT'LERS, OR THE HUMOURS OF A SELECT VESTRY, SELS., by EDWARD WARD Poem Source First Line: An nations oft by cunning knaves Last Line: To ease the wants of the dejected Subject(s): Poverty; Religion PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: CHOICES, by JOHN CIARDI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: George says he chooses poverty. That's rash Last Line: I've an experienced aversion to it Subject(s): Poverty; Life Choices PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: CHOICES, by JOHN CIARDI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: George says he chooses poverty. That's rash Last Line: I've experienced an aversion to it Subject(s): Poverty PLAUDITS FOR THOSE WHO FAIL, by THOMAS STEPHEN Poem Text First Line: Reserve your plaudits for the man Last Line: God bless them for what they endure. Subject(s): Courage; Failure; Heroism; Poverty; Valor; Bravery; Heroes; Heroines PLAYED OUT, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As a bullock falls in the crooked ruts, he fell when / the day was over Last Line: From no particular where. Subject(s): Death; Hunger; Labor & Laborers; Mortality; Poverty; Dead, The; Work; Workers PLAYERS, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Union of blood or need, boy and girl Last Line: In her eyes is not of the wind Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Begging And Beggars; Homeless; Poverty PLEASURES OF THE POOR, by THOMAS AUGUSTINE DALY Poem Text First Line: Oh, what I like's a touring car Last Line: The best of reasons why! Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A. Subject(s): Automobiles; Poverty; Cars PLINY - IX,XXXVI - LAMPRIDIUS - XXIX, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I remember that letter of pliny's Last Line: Return from high school Subject(s): Poverty; Writing And Writers PLUTUS: POVERTY, by ARISTOPHANES Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: O dotards both, most easily seduced from wisdom's train Last Line: I make him labout with his hands to earn his daily bread Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Poverty POEMS FOR THE RICH: 1, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Zaritsky with 10 children Last Line: O worse off than his dog Subject(s): Jews;mysticism - Judaism;poverty; Judaism POEMS FOR THE RICH: 2, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Derision of the working class Last Line: Past all reproach Subject(s): Jews;mysticism - Judaism;poverty; Judaism POEMS FOR THE RICH: 3, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: O mother o mother Last Line: Women die starving Subject(s): Jews;mysticism - Judaism;poverty; Judaism POEMS FOR THE RICH: 4, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Bosses with hearts of stone Last Line: Where does it end? Subject(s): Jews;mysticism - Judaism;poverty; Judaism POEMS OF THE HOME: THE EARTHEN JAR, by LUCILA GODOY ALCAYAGA Poem Source First Line: Earthen jar, dark as my cheek, how easy of access you %are to my thirst! Last Line: Noon, a cool jar for their sorrowful lips! Subject(s): Home; Poverty; Thirst POEMS ON MY DWELLING IN THE REAR PARK: 2, by ZHAO YI Poem Source First Line: I've suffered poverty knocked at my door Last Line: No civil servants lie there starving to death Subject(s): China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1912); Civil Service; Poverty POETRY AND THE POOR, by W. WALSHAM STOWE Poem Text First Line: The world is very beautiful!' I said Last Line: To make the desert blossom as the rose. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Poverty POLITICAL BALLADS: DATE OBOLUM BELLESARIO, by FRANCIS HOPKINSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: As I travell'd o'er the plain Last Line: A penny to the poor Subject(s): Charity; Poverty; Social Protest POOR, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's the anarchy of poverty Last Line: In a wind that fitfully %turning his corner has %overwhelmedthe entire city Subject(s): Poverty POOR MAN'S PRAYER TO THE SPIRITS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Fatherless ones Last Line: Bring me a gift Subject(s): Eskimos; Native Americans; Poverty POOR PEOPLE, by RAJZEL ZYCHLINSKA Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Being poor has one color Alternate Author Name(s): Zychlinska, Rayzel Subject(s): Jews; Mysticism - Judaism; Poverty; Judaism PORE FOLKS' HANT, by ESTHER EUGENIA DAVIS Poem Text First Line: I hear wagon-wheels and hoofs, and they're coming up the road Last Line: "but we ain't afraid of ghosts, aire we, dessie?" Subject(s): Poverty PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR AS A YOUNG ANARCHIST, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While things were going on in europe Subject(s): Anarchism And Anarchists; Poverty; Social Classes; Social Protest; Wealth; Youth; Caste; Riches; Fortunes PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR AS A YOUNG ANARCHIST, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While things were going on in europe Last Line: Stole out and shat in the golf holes Subject(s): Anarchism And Anarchists; Poverty; Social Classes; Social Protest; Wealth; Youth POSTERIORS FOR POSTERITY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: How to talk politely Last Line: A nice juicy butt Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty POUILLY-FUISSE, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Foxes and pheasants adorn Last Line: Leeks and roses. Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY, by DOROTHY WHITEHEAD HOUGH Poem Text First Line: It is my fate to be Last Line: Of jewels and tapestry. Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Money; Poverty; Recessions POVERTY, by HAMLEN HUNT Poem Text First Line: I wish I had a gift Last Line: And nothing more. Subject(s): Death; Love; Poverty; Dead, The POVERTY, by PABLO MEDINA Poem Source First Line: I wandered through her eyebrows Last Line: The only language I knew Subject(s): Charity; Money; Poverty POVERTY, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poverty is always pathetic! Last Line: To help this poor pauper? Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY, by HEIDY STEIDLMAYER Poem Source First Line: No stone field flowers Last Line: There is nothing left %to carry but your voice Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY, by HENRY DAVID THOREAU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I am poor it is that I am proud Last Line: He would not need to hide beneath a fold. Subject(s): God; Poverty POVERTY, by THOMAS TRAHERNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As in the house I sate Last Line: But now I have a deity. Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY AND BLINDNESS, by FRIEDRICH VON LOGAU Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A blind man is a poor man, and blind a poor man is Last Line: For the former seeth no man, and the latter no man sees. Alternate Author Name(s): Golaw, Salomon Von; Logau, Frederick Von Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY AND ILLNESS, by SHEN YIXIU Poem Source First Line: Poverty and illness come upon me in succession, leaving me defenseless Last Line: Yet when will the devil of poverty retreat to a remote place? Subject(s): Poverty; Sickness POVERTY THE GREATEST PACK, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To mortall men great lords alloted be Last Line: But of all packs, no pack like poverty. Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY, IN IMITATION OF MILTON, by SAMUEL JONES Poem Text First Line: Hail, happy lot of the laborious man, / securest state of life, great poverty Last Line: Most venerable poverty! To thee all hail! Subject(s): Poverty POVERTY; PINDARIC ODE, by CHARLES COTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thou greatest plague that mortals know! Last Line: And that, alas, is all for which I humbly sue. Subject(s): Poverty PRAY REMEMBER THE POOR, by CHRISTOPHER SMART Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I just came by the prison door Last Line: As charitably great as he. Subject(s): Charity; Poverty; Prayer; Philanthropy PRAYER, by ALAN DUGAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: God, I need a job because I need money Last Line: I need a job again. I’m caught in a steel cycle Subject(s): Poverty; Unemployment PRAYER, by ALAN DUGAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God, I need a job because I need money Subject(s): Poverty; Unemployment PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) Poem Text First Line: The memory of a simple tale, / called up from childhood's years Last Line: "warding off despair." Subject(s): Angels; Death; Legends; Mothers & Daughters; Poverty; Spinning; Dead, The PRESENT TIMES OR EIGHT SHILLINGS A WEEK, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "come all you bold britons, where'er you be" Last Line: His childen and wife on twelve shillings a week Subject(s): Labor & Laborers;poverty PRESSING REALITIES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Scent of pine enters my window Last Line: Reality might undo me Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty PROMPT PAY, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A man runs up a little bill, and when it's Last Line: Reputation, some day that rep will knock you down, and hurt like all creation. Subject(s): Cost Of Living; Merchants; Money; Poverty; Wages; Salaries PROPHET, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Came to me %with a poor man's tale Last Line: Thou art the man Subject(s): David (d. 962 B.c.); Poverty; Prophets And Prophecy; Wealth PSALM: 10, by JOSEPH HALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why stand'st thou lord aloof so long Last Line: On vs may tyrannize no more. Subject(s): Curses; God; Hearts; Poverty; Pride; Self-esteem; Self-respect PUEBLO, by LOUNES MATOUB Poem Source First Line: Pity, lord, pity on my poor town Last Line: Where my poor people will die of nothing! Subject(s): City And Town Life; Poverty; Puerto Rico QUALITY POOR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: You can't be poor to live in the blue roofs Last Line: Managed because we stand in line for aid Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty QUERY, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who can alleviate Last Line: The sorrows of the poor? Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway Subject(s): Grief; Happiness; Poverty; Sorrow; Sadness; Joy; Delight RAISINS IN SUMMER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Friday before payday we haul the kids Last Line: Have been, alongside our unmet desires Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty REAR-PORCHES OF AN APARTMENT-BUILDING, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A sky that has never known sun, moon or stars Last Line: On brick walls. Subject(s): Cities; Poverty; Urban Life RECORDING MY POVERTY ON A SUMMER DAY, by HUANG YUANJIE Poem Source First Line: At the bank of the lake the water rises, the xing plant looks like mist Last Line: Fortunately locust trees and willows provide a green cover over my head Subject(s): Poverty RELIEF CASE, by ANNE MOTT-SMITH Poem Text First Line: In all that dusty hall Last Line: That he should share her fate. Subject(s): Mothers; Poverty REMINISCENT, by JAMES CHRISTIAN LINDBERG Poem Text First Line: Strange how a simple weed can hold so much Last Line: A simple weed can so hold so much. Subject(s): Children; Poverty; Childhood REPATRIATION, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: They called the process. Red wheat senators Last Line: A distorted credo in either tongue Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty REVOLUTIONARY LETTER: 19, by DIANE DI PRIMA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If what you want is jobs Last Line: You can have what you ask for, ask for everything Subject(s): Poverty REVOLUTIONARY LETTER: 19, by DIANE DI PRIMA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If what you want is jobs Last Line: You can have what you ask for, ask for %everything Subject(s): Poverty RICH AND POOR, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When god built up the dome of blue Last Line: And conscience is our captain too. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes RICH AND POOR; OR, SAINT AND SINNER, by THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The poor man's sins are glaring Last Line: Where the bishop groans to view him. Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes RICH FOLKS, POOR FOLKS, AND NEITHER, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rich folks keep their teeth Last Line: I was still a child of water and mud. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes RICH OR POOR, by IDA JACOBSON Poem Text First Line: I'd rather be poor than have riches and such Last Line: If I only could lose about two hundred pounds. Subject(s): Poverty RICH, THOUGH POOR, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Red in the east the morning broke Last Line: Think you he was the poorest man? Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Hope RICHES, by OLIVE BODA BROWN Poem Text First Line: Many have wealth and yet are poor Last Line: Where my rainbow garden grew! Subject(s): Gardens & Gardening; Poverty ROADSIDE POEMS: THE SHEEP AND THE GOAT, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The thousand streets of london gray Last Line: Thou didst it unto him. Subject(s): Children; Faith; Goats; Poverty; Sheep; Childhood; Belief; Creed ROMANCE OF THE POOR, by RODNEY JONES Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The poor people in springfield go to dayton to be miserable in style Last Line: Next to his own, give him that much. Leave him to his joy Subject(s): Cities; Poverty RUNA PACHA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The feeling grows for weeks Last Line: In this inhospitable air Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SALVE, REX DEI GRACIA!, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There lived a man who was wise and old Last Line: And how on earth should a singer know? Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Death; Poverty; Writing & Writers; Dead, The SAN DIEGO AGED, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My friends and I consume botanas Last Line: Each day I breathe Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SANDY MACLEOD, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I think of the weary nights and days Last Line: Ah, no! 't was the light of the day he had found. Subject(s): Shoemakers; Poverty SELFISHNESS, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Jim kickshaw has a touring car, in which Last Line: Is thanks; they have no assets in the banks. Subject(s): Poverty; Selfishness SERPENTINE VOICES: FROM SILENCE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: How many voices can I plum in this poem Last Line: God, we were something else Variant Title(s): Serpentine Voice Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SETTLING, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I've never seen his eyes so brilliant, cat's eyes Last Line: Anything can sneak between the cracks Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SHE TENDS BAR, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: While she waits for a man Last Line: And unstop her sink besides Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SHOES, by CORINNE HUNTINGTON JACKSON Poem Text First Line: Here I sit with hard eyes looking at my child Last Line: To suffer torture indian-gauntlet-runner never knew. Subject(s): Native Americans; Pain; Poverty; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Suffering; Misery SKIM-MILK, by JAMES STEPHENS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A small part only of my grief I write Last Line: In cormac uasail mac donagh of the golden hair! Subject(s): Ireland; Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Irish SMELL OF DISINFECTANT GRIPS YOUR THROAT, by CLAIRE MALROUX Poem Source First Line: When you come near the toilets Last Line: On a lake's surface from which impalpably rises %volcanic heat Alternate Author Name(s): Roux, Claire Sara Variant Title(s): Saint-lieux, 193 Subject(s): Poverty SMOKING IN AN OPEN GRAVE, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: We bury ourselves to get high Last Line: So much of us already geared for the journey. Subject(s): Cities; Death; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Urban Life; Dead, The; Work; Workers SOFTBALL AND TOMATO FIELDS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: They swarm like ants from the edge of the field Last Line: Runners caught between bases are all picked off Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty SOLILOQUIES ON TEMPORAL INDIGENCE: SOLILOQUY 16, by MARY LATTER Poem Text First Line: Now calumnies arise, and black reproach Last Line: And, lordly, tramples on distress in anguish. Subject(s): Poverty SOLILOQUIES ON TEMPORAL INDIGENCE: SOLILOQUY 5, by MARY LATTER Poem Text First Line: With tearful eye, how frequent have I seen Last Line: By insult poisoned, and by pride undone! Subject(s): Poverty SOLILOQUIES ON TEMPORAL INDIGENCE: SOLILOQUY 6, by MARY LATTER Poem Text First Line: Strangers to meek compassion's tender touch Last Line: Increasing smart, severer for severe! Subject(s): Compassion; Poverty SOMETHING IS DYING HERE, by THOMAS MCGRATH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In a hundred places in north dakota Last Line: The poison of their own sweet country has brought them here Subject(s): Economics; Poverty; Socialism SOMEWHERE ELSE, by OLIVIA RUIZ Poem Source First Line: A nickel won't get him chewing gum Last Line: Up in smoke %he doesn't even have a dime Subject(s): Poverty; Pride; Solitude SONG, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: While a thousand fine projects are planned every day Last Line: Contrive that the poor may have something to eat Subject(s): Cities;england;free Trade;markets;poverty; Urban Life;english;supermarkets SONG OF THE MAD MENAGERIE, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I on whom the wild sun Last Line: The body behind bone Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Drought; Poverty; Thirst; Water SONG OF THE NEW FOOL, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let the sea and all her women Last Line: And my hands are tender Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Child Care; Food And Eating; Homeless; Hunger; Poverty SONG OF THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY, by ELIZA COOK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A song, a song, for the beldame queen Last Line: And my throne the prison cell. Subject(s): Poverty; Social Problems SONG OF TWO CROWS, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sing of morrisville Last Line: Where all the ends are wrong Subject(s): Poverty SONG, FR. THE EMIGRANT, by ALEXANDER MCLACHLAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Old england is eaten by knaves Last Line: Nor a foreign foe land on her shore. Subject(s): England; Immigrants; Poverty; English; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration SONG, THE WINDS OF DOWNHILL, by GEORGE OPPEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Poverty; Poets & Poetry SONNET, by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O poverty! Though from thy haggard eye Subject(s): Poverty SONNET: 11. BREADLESS ART, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How soon my poverty would ended be Last Line: I needs must go without, or drink on credit! Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Poverty SONNET: POVERTY, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once I beheld thee, a lithe mountain maid Last Line: Why scourge forevermore god's beauteteous earth? Subject(s): Poverty SONNET: TO ONE EXCUSING HIS POVERTY, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ah! Love, impute it not to me a sin Subject(s): Poverty; Forgiveness; Love; Clemency SONORAN RADIO, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Looking at a big moon too long Last Line: We've colored with blood. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Mexico; Pain; Poverty; Vision; Suffering; Misery SOULS IN PRISON, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I thought that I looked on the land Last Line: I shuddered and shrank, and fled. Subject(s): Poverty SOUTH, by LEON LEIVA GALLARDO Poem Source First Line: I come from a place Last Line: No one calls on them Subject(s): Despair; Hunger; Poverty SPLENDOR IN THE WIND, by RAUL ZURITA Poem Source First Line: Swept by light the feet of that multitude seemed Last Line: Falling to pieces for just a minute of happiness Subject(s): Poverty; Santiago, Chile SQUARING THE NAMES, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: When we caught lice in third grade Last Line: The one whose tongue savors life Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty STATE OF THE UNION: 1. HERE NOTHING WORKS, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Here nothing works. Service taken Last Line: To our soil that is not different from other lands Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Drought; Failure; Harvest; Labor And Laborers; Poverty STOKLEWATH; OR, THE CUMBRIAN VILLAGE, by SUSANNA BLAMIRE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: From where dark clouds of curling smoke arise Last Line: Let stoklewath be not the last that's nam'd! Alternate Author Name(s): Muse Of Cumberland; Sukey, Miss Subject(s): Dinners & Dining; Food & Eating; Household Employees; Hunger; Poverty; Servants; Domestics; Maids STRANGE FUNERAL IN BRADDOCK, by MICHAEL GOLD Poem Source First Line: Listen to the mournful drums of a strange funeral Last Line: Listen to the story of a strange american funeral Subject(s): Communism; Labor And Laborers; Poverty; Social Protest STREET, by GEORGE OPPEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Ah these are the poor Subject(s): Poverty SUGGESTIONS BY STEAM, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When woman is in rags, and poor Last Line: "to that small voice that crieth—""stop her!" Subject(s): Despair; Grief; Hunger; Poverty; Women; Sorrow; Sadness SUNRISE, by FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: The sunrise of new york Last Line: As though recently rescued from a shipwreck of blood Subject(s): Homeless; New York City - Streets; Poverty SWEATSHOP, by MORRIS ROSENFELD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Corner of pain and anguish, there's a worn old house Last Line: And they must obey him, bow to everything Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest; Sweatshops SYMBOL OF COURAGE, by G. SOOSAI Poem Source First Line: Poverty is not a curse Subject(s): Poverty TARRIERS' SONG, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Every morning at seven o'clock Last Line: And rill, ye tarriers, drill Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest TELL HER (EXPLAINING PICTURES OF STARVATION TO A CHILD), by JUDITH KITCHEN Poem Source First Line: Tell her they are real. That Last Line: Closer to their tiny wasted faces Subject(s): Poverty THANKSGIBBIN' IN OLE VIRGINNY, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ter-day's thanksgibbin' Last Line: De short straw done draw de little guinea hen. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): Holidays; Hunger; Poverty; Thanksgiving Day THE AUTHOR'S EARLY LIFE, by JULIA A. MOORE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will write a sketch of my early life Last Line: Hitherto herebefore Alternate Author Name(s): Sweet Singer Of Michigan Subject(s): Poverty THE BAD OLD DAYS, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The summer of nineteen eighteen Subject(s): Chicago; Evil; Past; Poverty THE BALLAD OF MOLL MAGEE, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come round me, little childer Last Line: And pity moll magee. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Misfortune; Poverty THE BANKRUPT, by JOSEPH BEAUMONT Poem Text First Line: Despise him not, though he / a bankrupt be Last Line: For pardning part, will all remitt to thee. Subject(s): Forgiveness; God; Poverty; Clemency THE BEGGAR, by GRACE DENIO LITCHFIELD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All day, all the day, in the dust, in the heat Last Line: These cry out unheard, and must die on the street. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Charity; Homeless; Money; Poverty; Philanthropy THE BEGGAR, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The snow will soon be flying, the snow we Last Line: Tea, and wonder why the county won't feed such skates as he. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Charity; Poverty; Philanthropy THE BEGGAR, by JOEL T. ROGERS Poem Text First Line: Poor, blind pete Last Line: O, in the name of god! Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Begging & Beggars; Despair; Poverty THE BIG RUG, by PO CHU-YI Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: That so many of the poor should suffer from cold what can we do to prevent? Last Line: Which at one time could cover up every inch of the city. Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Poverty; Rugs; Carpets THE BOROUGH: LETTER 14. INHABITANTS OF ALMS-HOUSE. BLANEY, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Observe that tall pale veteran! What a look Last Line: Save a frail sister in the female row. Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 15. INHABITANTS OF ALMS HOUSE. CLELIA, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We had a sprightly nymph - in every town Last Line: And mourn their grievous fall, and curse their rigorous fate. Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 16. INHABITANTS OF ALMS HOUSE. BENBOW, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See! Yonder badgeman with that glowing face Last Line: Where is the life I led?' -- he sigh'd and walk'd his way. Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 18. THE POOR AND THEIR DWELLINGS, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yes! We've our borough-vices, and I know Last Line: Doubling each look of care, each token of distress. Subject(s): Houses; Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 19. POOR OF THE BOROUGH. PARISH-CLERK, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With our late vicar, and his age the same Last Line: Turn'd to the wall and silently expired! Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 20. POOR OF THE BOROUGH. ELLEN ORFORD, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No charms she now can boast, - 'tis true Last Line: I love mankind and call my god my friend.' Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 21. POOR OF THE BOROUGH. ABEL KEENE, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A quiet, simple man was abel keene Last Line: Perhaps his reverence is mistaken too.' Subject(s): Poverty THE BOROUGH: LETTER 22. POOR OF THE BOROUGH. PETER GRIMES, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old peter grimes made fishing his employ Last Line: Again they come,' and mutter'd as he died. Variant Title(s): Peter Grimes Subject(s): Fish & Fishing; Poverty; Anglers THE BREADLINE, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A reptile crawls along the squalid street Last Line: Its filthy head upreared as if to strike! Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): Class Struggle; Poverty THE CHICAGO HERMIT AT MOTHER TERESA'S, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography Subject(s): Teresa Of Calcutta, Blessed (1910-1997); Poverty; Charity; Philanthropy THE COAL STRIKE, by HENRY CHAPPELL Poem Text First Line: Red are the rails with rust to-day Last Line: Who went to heaven—starved. Subject(s): Cemeteries; Death - Children; Heaven; Hunger; Poverty; Graveyards; Death - Babies; Paradise THE COMPLAINTS OF POVERTY, SELECTION, by NICHOLAS JAMES Poem Text Poem Explanation First Line: May poverty, without offence, approach / the splendid equipage, the gilded coach Last Line: Scares with the dungeon and the whipping-post. Subject(s): Poverty THE COMPLAINTS OF THE POOR, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And wherefore do the poor complain? Last Line: And these have answer'd thee! Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Experience; Pain; Poverty; Reason; Wealth; Suffering; Misery; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals; Riches; Fortunes THE CRADLE SONG OF THE POOR, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hush! I cannot bear to see thee Last Line: Sounds the fluttering of wings! Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary Subject(s): Poverty THE DEED, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: When I, made merry with the wine Last Line: And die for man again?' Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Poverty THE DESTITUTE, by ROGER DE COLLERYE Poem Text First Line: The destitute who owns nor stick nor stock Last Line: The destitute. Subject(s): Poverty THE DOLL, by AGNES LEE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's something strange about the child tonight Last Line: When she comes looking, and it isn't here! Alternate Author Name(s): Freer, Otto, Mrs. Subject(s): Dolls; Family Life; Poverty; Toys; Relatives THE DYING CHILD, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her cheek is flushed with fever red Last Line: There, there, my child, lie down and die! Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia Subject(s): Death - Children; Guilt; Pain; Poverty; Death - Babies; Suffering; Misery THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE MARKET, by JAMES OPPENHEIM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The riveted rafters drip the rain and the twilight pave Last Line: Mother, that your strange heart might know you are the fount of a future race! Subject(s): New York City - Markets; Poverty THE EMBROIDERESS AT MIDNIGHT, by MARY ANN BROWNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She plies her needle till the lamp Last Line: Thy consecrated love. Alternate Author Name(s): Gray, James, Mrs.; Gray, Mary Anne Browne Subject(s): Embroiderers; Poverty THE FEAST OF THE 'MUTCHES', by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm a lamiter, girzie, or I wad hae been Last Line: To gentles an' grannies to meet yet in heaven! Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Dinners & Dining; Poverty; Women THE FREEBORN, by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: God made the man and bid him multiply Last Line: When this free man comes forth, what must he do? Alternate Author Name(s): Sigerson, Dora; Shorter, Mrs. Clement Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Family Life; Fathers; Hunger; Poverty; Relatives THE FUNERAL OF A VILLAGE GIRL, by JULIEN AUGUSTE PELAGE BRIZEUX Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When fair louise, half child, half woman, died Last Line: And every bird was warbling in its nest. Alternate Author Name(s): Brizeux, Auguste Subject(s): Death; Funerals; Girls; Poverty; Dead, The; Burials THE GIRL FROM SOAP SUDS ROW, by NATHALIA CRANE Poem Text First Line: Oh! Mistress margaret esther snow Last Line: Found most of her genius in soap suds row. Subject(s): Classmates; Poetry Readings; Poverty; Schoolmates THE GOLDEN SCHLEMIEL, by IRVING FELDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Honesty; Poverty; Conduct Of Life THE HARVEST, by ARTHUR MILTON POPE Poem Text First Line: Man digs with scooping hands for bits of gold Last Line: And heaven above him finds him very poor. Subject(s): Fertility; Harvest; Poverty THE HERITAGE, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The rich man's son inherits lands Last Line: Well worth a life to hold in fee. Variant Title(s): The Poor And The Rich Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Youth; Riches; Fortunes THE HOMELESS POOR, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Calm the city lay in midnight silence Last Line: In thy homeless ones to succor thee. Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary Subject(s): Angels; Homeless; Poverty; Prayer; Religion; Theology THE HUNGRY MAN'S WHEEL, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From between my own teeth I come out smoking Variant Title(s): The Starving Man's Rack Subject(s): Poverty THE IMPORTANCE OF GREEN, by JAMES GALVIN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Small towns are for knowing who's poor Last Line: No more than the dress itself / of green Subject(s): Green (color); Poverty; Tailors; Towns; Dress Makers THE JOLLY BEGGARS; A CANTATA RECITATIVO, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When lyart leaves bestrow the yird Last Line: One and all cry out, amen! Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking; Poverty; Brotherhood; Seduction; Wit & Humor; Labor & Laborers THE JOURNEY AND OBSERVATIONS OF A COUNTRYMAN: A DEATHBED, by JOHN HAWTHORN Poem Text First Line: A little house there stood within a glen Last Line: Before a wretch that used his parents ill.... Subject(s): Family Life; Ingratitude; Poverty; Relatives; Ungratefulness THE JOY OF BEING POOR, by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let others sing of gold and gear, the joy of being rich Last Line: Old chap, let's haste, I'm mad to taste the joy of being poor. Subject(s): Bohemians; Paris, France; Poverty THE LADY POVERTY, by ALICE MEYNELL Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lady poverty was fair Last Line: And slender landscape and austere. Alternate Author Name(s): Meynell, Wilfrid, Mrs.; Thompson, Alice Christina Subject(s): Poverty THE LADY VISITOR IN THE PAUPER WARD, by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why do you break upon this old, cool peace Last Line: Leave us alone. Subject(s): Poverty THE LAST DITCH, by SADIE FULLER SEAGRAVE Poem Text First Line: Her open window caught the beating sun Last Line: And saw gray locusts swarming down a field! Subject(s): Poverty THE LEADEN-EYED, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let not young souls be smothered out before Last Line: Not that they die, but that they die like sheep. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): Poverty; Religion; Social Protest; Theology THE LEAST OF THESE, by ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER-COUCH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord, in thy courts Last Line: Dear friend, enter thou in!' Alternate Author Name(s): Q; Quiller-couch, A. T. Subject(s): God; Poverty THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL, by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was biting cold, and the falling snow Last Line: A bright reward for all the hardships she suffered here. Subject(s): Child Molesting; Homeless; Hunger; Pain; Poverty; Child Abuse; Suffering; Misery THE LOVERS OF THE POOR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Arrive. The ladies from the ladies's betterment league Variant Title(s): "the Lovers Of The Poor Arrive""; Subject(s): Poverty THE MADONNA OF THE CURB, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the curb of a city pavement Last Line: Madonna of the curb! Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway Subject(s): Children; Cities; Poverty; Childhood; Urban Life THE MELTING POT, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bearded old patriarchs, flippant young men Last Line: Heart of the ghetto on saturday night! Subject(s): Ghettos; Jews; Poverty; Weariness; Judaism; Fatigue THE NEEDY, by ALICE FERRIN HENSEY Poem Text First Line: I have more food than I can eat Last Line: Cries of the needy rise again. Subject(s): Hunger; Poverty THE NEW ANTHEM, by NORMAN BOLKER Poem Text First Line: Hammered steel strips laid out Last Line: With joy and peace on every face. Subject(s): Poverty; Racism; Religious Discrimination; Social Protest; United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Religious Conflict; America THE OLD APPLE-WOMAN; A BROADWAY LYRIC, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She sits by the side of a turbulent stream Last Line: And the gates of a heavenly city. Subject(s): Broadway, New York City; Poverty; Rivers; Women THE OLD COUPLE (THE WORKHOUSE - OLD STYLE), by AGNES MARY F. ROBINSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An old wife speaks: Last Line: The lord shouldn't grant a long life to the poor. Alternate Author Name(s): Duclaux, Madame Emile; Darmesteter, Mary; Robinson, A. Mary F. Subject(s): Marriage; Old Age; Poverty; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE OLD HOUSE, by GRACE DUFFIE BOYLAN Poem Text First Line: Cold and cheerless, bare and bleak Last Line: For us and all the children. Subject(s): Children; Houses; Muses; Poverty; Childhood THE ORANGE-PEEL IN THE GUTTER, by MATHILDE BLIND Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Behold, unto myself I said Last Line: A glory that is all divine! Alternate Author Name(s): Lake, Claude Subject(s): London; Poverty; Women THE ORPHAN GIRL (1), by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "'no home, no home!' cried a little girl" Last Line: Where there's room for bread for the poor Subject(s): Frontier & Pioneer Life;orphans;poverty; Foundlings THE PATIENCE OF THE POOR, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When leisurely the man of ease Last Line: Its thirst in an undoubted heaven. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Patience; Poverty THE PAUPER, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The sad and seedy pauper has no one for a Last Line: The kettle boil; for visions all are bootless which are not backed by toil. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Homeless; Idleness; Poverty; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence THE PAUPER'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Full of drink and full of meat Last Line: "christmas comes but once a year!" Subject(s): Christmas Carols; Poverty THE PAUPER'S DEATH-BED, by CAROLINE ANNE BOWLES SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tread softly - bow the head Last Line: Wakes with his god. Alternate Author Name(s): Bowles, Caroline Anne Subject(s): Poverty THE PAUPER'S DRIVE, by THOMAS NOEL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's a grim one-horse hearst in a jolly round trot Last Line: Though a pauper, he's one whom his maker yet owns! Subject(s): Adversity; Poverty THE PAUPER'S FUNERAL, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What! And not one to heave the pious sigh? Last Line: I pause—and ponder on the days to come. Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Graves; Grief; Honor; Poverty; Self; Tears; Estrangement; Outcasts; Tombs; Tombstones; Sorrow; Sadness THE PENCIL SELLER, by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A pencil, sir; a penny - won't you buy? Last Line: I hope you'll find me, sir; good-night, good-night. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Paris, France; Poverty; Salespersons; Selling THE PLUNDER, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am of all bereft Last Line: Will say our grace, and die Subject(s): Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 114, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A poor donkey is short by a bushel Last Line: It just makes me depressed Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Comfort; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 120, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A frequent guest of hunger and cold Last Line: Along with five pints of chaff Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 123, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wealth and position attract distant kin Last Line: Even leather shoes wear thin Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Family Life; Poverty; Wealth; Relatives; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 128, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A courteous handsome young man Last Line: This is how books fool us Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Deception; Poverty; Scholarship & Scholars THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 135, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Don't stay poor my friend Last Line: You're just as rich as him Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 151, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A man with a good head and belly Last Line: A descendant of poverty his name is broke Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 154, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Those days when I had money Last Line: I hope you weigh this well Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 161, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A trifle poor in the past Last Line: My pot is surrounded by rats Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 170, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The people I see in this world Last Line: I'd rather be poor in the woods Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Humanity; Poverty; Solitude; Loneliness THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 172, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm poor alas and I'm sick Last Line: All these cares wear a man down Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Grief; Poverty; Sorrow; Sadness THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 183, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They laugh at me hey farm boy Last Line: And stick a stupa on my head Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Fashion; Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 188, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Someone sighed cold mountain air Last Line: With money your concern Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Ignorance; Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Wealth; Dullness; Stupdity; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 243, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I was so poor in the past Last Line: These jewels aren't for sale Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 250, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Your rags are due to your past deeds Last Line: Why do you look so pale Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 284, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I live in the countryside Last Line: It's hard as any diamond Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Contentment; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 40, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An old lady who lives to the east Last Line: From the east and from the west Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Laughter; Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 47, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mistress tsou of tiyen Last Line: They had to eat leftover cake Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Hospitality; Poverty THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 99, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Disappointed impoverished scholars Last Line: Even mongrels won't touch them Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Scholarship & Scholars THE POOR, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: Give them your silver, let the poor Last Line: Worth twice their weight in gold? Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Poverty; Recessions THE POOR, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Few, save the poor, feel for the poor Last Line: But with a sadder eye. Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia Subject(s): Poverty THE POOR, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I cannot give the poor a cent,' remarks Last Line: "of these outlandish times." Subject(s): Cost Of Living; Depressions, Economic; Poverty; Recessions THE POOR, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among the mountains I wandered and saw blue haze Subject(s): Thought; Poverty; Social Commentaries; Thinking THE POOR, by EMILE VERHAEREN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With hearts of poor men it is so Last Line: On earth's far plains of sun and wind. Subject(s): Pain; Poverty; Weariness; Suffering; Misery; Fatigue THE POOR, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: By constantly tormenting them Last Line: Took him for their friend and adviser. Subject(s): Poverty THE POOR MAN, by GEORGE LUNT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The world without is cold, dearest Last Line: Who lives for self alone. Subject(s): God; Poverty THE POOR MAN IS NOT LOVED, by MARCUS ARGENTARIUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yes, you were loved, sosicrates, when rich; but now in her Last Line: That 'penniless' and 'loveless' are the same? Alternate Author Name(s): Markus Argentarios Subject(s): Love - Materialism; Poverty THE POOR MAN PAYS FOR ALL, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: As I lay musing all alone Last Line: That poor men pay for all Subject(s): Poverty THE POOR MAN THINKS, by ARTHUR RIMBAUD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Perhaps some evening yet Last Line: Unlock for me the door. Subject(s): Poverty THE POOR MAN'S PROVINCE, by JOHN WRIGHT (1708-1727) Poem Text 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 THE POOR STUDENT, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With song elate we celebrate Last Line: O'er his immortal soul. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Mythology - Classical; Poverty; Schools; Soul; Students THE POOR-HOUSE, by SARA TEASDALE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hope went by and peace went by Last Line: "they can wait to die." Alternate Author Name(s): Filsinger, Ernest B., Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty THE PORTRAIT, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He wouldn't buy her shoes Last Line: A portrait of a woman as less than one. Subject(s): Paintings And Painters; Poverty; Women THE PROPHET, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Came to me / with a poor man's tale Subject(s): David (d. 962 B.c.); Poverty; Prophecy & Prophets; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes THE PURCHASE, by CHARLES WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Small and red and goggling with anxious eyes Last Line: —slinking and licking my fingers and ready to cry. Subject(s): Money; Poverty; Retail Trade; Stores; Shops; Shopkeepers THE RED BOX AT VESEY STREET, by HENRY CUYLER BUNNER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Past the red box at vesey street Last Line: Through the red box at vesey street. Subject(s): Homeless; Kindness; New York City - Streets; Poverty THE SHEPHERD'S PIPE: THIRD ECLOGUE, by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old neddy's poverty they moan Last Line: Up, and let us go. Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, William Of Tavistock Subject(s): Poverty THE SILENT SISTERS OF THE POOR, by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE Poem Text First Line: Meekly, with folded hands and patient brows Last Line: Meekly, with patient brows and folded hands. Subject(s): Charity; Humanity; Nuns; Poverty; Philanthropy THE SONG OF THE LOST, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What will be left when the siren city Last Line: "the nightly wail of a sleepless woe?" Subject(s): Poverty; Sin THE STOCKMAN'S CHEQUE, by ERNEST WILLIAM HORNUNG Poem Text First Line: There's a hut in riverina where a solitary hand Last Line: As before. Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking; Poverty; Wine THE STOLEN SHEEP, by TOM FREEMAN Poem Text First Line: Say, mate, it's a tidy long stretch since we parted near old lambin' flat Last Line: And—well that was the end of old tommy; so here's to his ashes I say! Subject(s): Accidents; Butchers; Murder; Poverty THE STREET CHILDREN'S DANCE, by MATHILDE BLIND Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now the earth in fields and hills Last Line: Touch them, fate! With april glory. Alternate Author Name(s): Lake, Claude Subject(s): Children; Poverty; Childhood THE STREET LAMP, by WILLIAM ROSE BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Homes stand in slumber. Sleep broods shadowingly Last Line: Sadly you wane. How sad, and oh, how wise! Subject(s): Abandonment; Cities; Grief; Homeless; Poverty; Desertion; Urban Life; Sorrow; Sadness THE TRAMP, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He came from where he started Last Line: "oh, I come from where I started!" Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): Clothing & Dress; Poverty; Wandering & Wanderers; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes THE TRIBUTE: 1, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Squalor spreads its hideous length Last Line: Offer refuse for meat. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TRIBUTE: 2, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While we shouted our wares Last Line: The songs withered black on their lips. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TRIBUTE: 3, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And we turn from the market Last Line: One bright god with a lance. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TRIBUTE: 4, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have sent the old gods from the city Last Line: Beside one young life that is lost. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TRIBUTE: 5, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though not one of the city turned Last Line: As light circles an olive-branch. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TRIBUTE: 6, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With these we will cry to another Last Line: For our city's sake. Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest THE TYRANTS, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: Love came about the cuckoo's time Last Line: And miss them every day. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Love; Poverty THE VIOLET-GIRL, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When fancy will continually rehearse Last Line: The veil that hides our vilest mortal sore. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Flowers; Poverty; Violets THE VOICE OF THE POOR, by JANE FRANCESCA WILDE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Was sorrow ever like to our sorrow Last Line: "lord, grant us death!" Alternate Author Name(s): Speranza; Elgee, Jane Francesca; Wilde, William Robert Wills, Mrs. Subject(s): Poverty THE WANDERING BLACK-A-MOOR, by JULIOUS C. HILL Poem Text First Line: I am a wandering black-a-moor Last Line: I am a wandering black-a-moor. Subject(s): Poverty THE WAY TO POVERTY, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Keep open house; dabble in bricks and mortar Last Line: Of all the roads to ruin none is shorter Subject(s): Poverty THE WEALTH OF THE DESTITUTE, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: How gray and hard the brown feet of the wretched of the earth. Subject(s): Poverty; Social Commentaries; Social Classes; Caste THE WEDDING, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I pray you, wherefore are the village bells Last Line: To give sad meaning to the village bells! Subject(s): Bells; Idleness; Marriage; Poverty; Strangers; Travel; Villages; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Journeys; Trips THE WICKER CHAIR, by TRISTAN LECLERE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If I had a house on the ile-de-france Last Line: I'm the richest man alive. Alternate Author Name(s): Klingsor, Tristan Subject(s): Chairs; Poverty; Wishes THESE HOUSE-TRAILER FIRES KILL THOUSANDS, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The opinions and scorn of the rich Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Nature; Poverty; Wealth THESE OLD RAGS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I dig in hard clay dirt Last Line: I could use a cheap gardener Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THEY DON'T EVEN TAKE SHELTER, by KJELL ESPMARK Poem Source First Line: What an endless procession towards the city Last Line: Those at the front, approaching the merciless gates %are already walking into their invisibility Subject(s): Homeless; Migration; Poverty THIS YEAR'S CYCLE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: We lie on the sand, carve tunnels down our sides Last Line: We make connections: our sons ask about the beach Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THIS YEARNING SEASON, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Another spring done up in blue-eyed grass Last Line: More dance and show me how its done Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty THOSE RICHES, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The week after your father left Subject(s): Poverty; Automobile Drivers THREE SHORT POEMS: 3, by PAAVO HAAVIKKO Poem Source First Line: The woman raises her garment, rain, wind, darkness rise Last Line: We have visitors: darkness, wind, poverty Subject(s): Despair; Poverty; Pregnancy THREE: 1) NOT POETRY, by ALEXANDRA THURMAN Poem Source First Line: And you've lowered the basket of salt Last Line: For nothing. You'll never go home again Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Poverty; United States TIMES ARE GETTIN' HARD, BOYS, MONEY GETTIN' SCARCE, by LEE HAYS Poem Source Last Line: Goin' to have the best farm you have ever seen Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest TISICA, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: What does your dusty shack Last Line: Nightmare of the poor, the dread disease Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TO A BRETON BEGGAR (DOL CATHEDRAL), by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the brown shadow of the transept door Last Line: The glamour of the celt! Subject(s): Celts; Old Age; Poverty; Prayer; Solitude; Thought; Loneliness; Thinking TO AN UNBORN PAUPER CHILD, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Breathe not, hid heart: cease silently Last Line: Joys seldom yet attained by humankind! Subject(s): Poverty TO FURIUS ON POVERTY, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Financial troubles irk thee not Last Line: Thou knowest just how soft thou hast it? Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Poverty TO JOHN TAYLOR, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With pegasus upon a day Last Line: I'll pay you like my master. Subject(s): Poverty; Labor & Laborers TO KATE CRANE GARTZ, by MARY CRAIG SINCLAIR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Have mercy. God, upon the poor, tonight Last Line: Your pity flows, a world-maternity. Alternate Author Name(s): Sinclair, Upton, Mrs. Subject(s): Gartz, Kate Crane; Humanitarianism; Poverty TO MR. FORBES-ROBERTSON: 28. LOVE AND THE FEAR OF POVERTY, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER Poem Text First Line: Love! She is a woman, and she can love Last Line: Which once acknowledged was by man and wife. Subject(s): Fear; Love; Poverty TO MR. JOHN KENNEDY, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now kennedy, if foot or horse Last Line: An' gude be wi' you. Subject(s): Friendship; Poverty; Drinks & Drinking TO MY BROTHER, by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were so poor Subject(s): Poverty TO RUIN, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All hail! Inexorable lord Last Line: Within thy cold embrace! Subject(s): Poverty; Grief; Social Classes TO THE FOUR COURTS, PLEASE, by JAMES STEPHENS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The driver rubbed at his nettly chin Last Line: And the poor, when they're old, have little of peace. Subject(s): Animals; Horses; Poverty TO THE POOR, by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Child of distress, who meet'st the bitter scorn Last Line: Nor fear the god whom priests and kings have made. Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia Subject(s): Poverty TODAY, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sing of slum sacbs on city faces, scrawny Last Line: Beetle and locust and flies and lice and moth and rust and mold Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): Poverty; Slums TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. ETERNAL HUNGER, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Eternal hunger! O through the black night Last Line: Gaze long in silence, friend; gaze long for all are thine Subject(s): Children; Homeless; Hunger; Pain; Poverty; Childhood; Suffering; Misery TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She lies, whom money has killed, and the greed of money Last Line: Shall be changed. Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Politics & Government; Poverty; Recessions TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. IN A MANUFACTURING TOWN, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As I walked restless and despondent through the gloomy city Last Line: Little child. Subject(s): Capitalism; Democracy; Depressions, Economic; Environment; Factories; Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Smoke; Recessions; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Work; Workers TRANSFIGURATIONS, by JAMES OPPENHEIM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We spat on the dirt and the flesh Last Line: Then hell will be emptier. Subject(s): Poverty; Social Protest TURNED OUT FOR RENT, by M. L. S. BURKE Poem Text First Line: Out, out in the night, in the chill wintry air Last Line: -- gaunt poverty fills all her measure of blame. Subject(s): Homeless; Money; Poverty TURNING TRAYS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Each vineyard is a world of crosses Last Line: Unfinished lines to tend Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TURNS AT THE DANCE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The man who loves rancheras holds out his hand Last Line: She weighs his invitation to the dance Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty TWO BOYS (CONTINUED), by MARY LAMB Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Of sufferings the poor have many Last Line: Beholding choice of dainty dressed meat: %no wonder if he wish he ne'er had learn'd to eat Subject(s): Poverty TWO SONGS: 2, by CECIL DAY LEWIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, live with me and be my love Last Line: Then live with me and be my love. Alternate Author Name(s): Blake, Nicolas Subject(s): Dramatists; Marlowe, Christopher (1564-1593); Poverty UNDER THE PRESSURE OF CARE OR POVERTY, by HANS SACHS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why art thou cast down, my heart? Last Line: Oh, cast me ne'er from thee away. Subject(s): Poverty; Prayer UNFORGOTTEN DREAMS, by CHARLES HENRY MACKINTOSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I walked one evening in a city slum Last Line: "beloved, may you live these dreams some day!" Subject(s): Dreams; Poverty; Nightmares VAGABONDS, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: God gave unto the philistine Last Line: Life's vagabonds are we. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Philistines; Poverty VALLEY FEVER, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: I was a favorite niece, the only daughter Last Line: Fifth down on the left, my branch grows slowly Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty VERMONT, by MARTHA RONK Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The man next door came after three bitter days Last Line: No one could bring one's self to thank anyone for Subject(s): Poverty; Farm Life; Lilacs VIDE COLLINS HASSAN-OR THE CAMEL DRIVER, by EDWARD LEAR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In dreary silence down the bustling road Last Line: When first from bowman's lodge they bent their way Subject(s): Grief; London; Nonsense; Poverty VIPER, by NICANOR PARRA Poem Source First Line: For years I was doomed to worship a contemptible woman Last Line: It's all over between us Subject(s): Crime And Criminals; Defamation; Poverty; Slaughterhouses VOTING THE PAUPERS IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No choice again? Say, that makes twice Last Line: "the ""lister fight"" is won." Subject(s): Charity; Homeless; Poverty; Vermont; Philanthropy WAIL OF THE ARAB BEGGARS OF THE CASBAH, by ISMAEL AIT DJAFER Poem Source First Line: People %individuals %listeners %audience %gawkers %readers: %I raise Last Line: Deux macchabees, c'est bien plus triste encore Subject(s): Hunger; Poverty WAITING, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within unfriendly walls / we starve - or starve by stealth Last Line: And the word we must obey. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Poverty; Waiting; Wealth; Work; Workers; Riches; Fortunes WANDERER IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, by CLARENCE MAJOR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At that time, after being robbed of everything, I was a wanderer Last Line: Theirs were fixed positions, no upward mobility Subject(s): Poverty; Solitude; Tourists; Travel; Wandering & Wanderers; Loneliness; Journeys; Trips; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes WANDERER IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, by CLARENCE MAJOR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At that time, after being robbed of everything, I was a wanderer Last Line: Lonely stranger, we loved having you among us, go home in peace Subject(s): Poverty; Solitude; Tourists; Travel; Wanderers And Wandering WANT (1), by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Need is no vice at all; though here it be Last Line: With men, a loathed inconveniencie. Subject(s): Poverty WAR RELIEF, by OLIVER BROOK HERFORD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Can you spare a threepenny bit' Last Line: "to relieve the poor church mice." Subject(s): Poverty; War WE'RE ALL ALIKE, YOU KNOW, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: My client tells me there's a look Last Line: Right, that makes us all alike? Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHAT THE CURANDERA KNOWS, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: With a candle and a canning jar Last Line: What more is there? Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHAT WE HAVE, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the mountain / the neighbor's dog, put out in the cold Last Line: That I think, when looking back, was happiness. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Happiness; Poverty; Retrospection; Relatives; Joy; Delight WHEN I WALK ALONE, FR. THE POET IN THE DESERT, by CHARLES ERSKINE SCOTT WOOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I walk alone and look into the sky Last Line: Than the wail of the curlew in the night. Subject(s): Grief; Poverty; Sorrow; Sadness WHEN LIVING WAS A LABOR CAMP CALLED MONTGOMERY, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Back in the forties, you joined the family each summer to sort Last Line: The camp and no one would know your smell Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEN SOUNDS RING TRUE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Long ago, a woman struck a gong with a hammer made Last Line: Matching jaws thrust forward to crowd the sky Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEN WE WERE VERY POOR ONE SPRING, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That day: eating, drinking, singing, dancing Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Fishing And Fishermen; Nature; Poverty WHEN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SEE TO BELIEVE, by DIANA GARCIA Poem Source First Line: The monster lived on the road to merced Last Line: To cover my gasps. His breath filled my room Subject(s): Children Of Migrant Workers; Poverty WHEN YOU THOUGHT ME POOR, by ALICE WALKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Poverty; Success WHERE DO THE STREETS GO?, by ROLF JACOBSEN Poem Source First Line: Where do the streets go Last Line: And from birth on %too heavy hearts Subject(s): Poverty WHO HAVE A FORM OF GODLINESS', by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am sick and tired it is god's will Last Line: Nor fainting though the time be almost past Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Poverty; Solitude; Weariness; God WHY DID SHE LEAVE HIM?, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "why did she leave him, they grew up together" Last Line: Why did she leave him? - because he was poor Subject(s): Beauty;grief;poverty; Sorrow;sadness WILL IT RAIN?, by EBENEZER ELLIOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bread!' the starver faintly sigheth Last Line: Then, the thoughtful look for thunder! Alternate Author Name(s): Corn-law Rhymer; Elliot, Ebenezer Subject(s): Poverty WILLIE DRUNK AGAIN, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "oh, willie, you've come home, lad" Last Line: And ne'er get drunk again Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking;hearts;poverty WIN A THOUSAND, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The seller of lottery tickets who cries, 'win a thousand' Last Line: As a seller of lottery tickets! Subject(s): Humanity; Poverty WINTER KNOWS, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: When a man's pockets %are empty Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Money; Nature; Poverty; Winter WINTER OFFERING, by DEREK S. SAVAGE Poem Source First Line: All I can offer now is a cracked china jug Last Line: Poverty's fixed, archaic physiognomy %projects only through masks where nothing else extrudes Subject(s): Poverty WISH FOR AN OVERCOAT, by ALFRED ISLAY WALDEN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh! Had I now an overcoat Last Line: But partly bread and butter. Subject(s): Clothing & Dress; Poverty WITHIN AND WITHOUT, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go thou into thy closet; shut thy door Last Line: The poet awakes from his dream. Variant Title(s): A Sonnet Sequence Subject(s): Abandonment; Children; Christianity; Clergy; Death; Escapes; Exiles; Family Life; Future Life; God; Humility; Marriage; Music & Musicians; Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Redemption; Regret; Revenge; Salvation; Unfaithfulness; Desertion; Childhood; Priests; Rab WORKS AND DAYS: SHAME, by HESIOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now shame can hurt men mightily Last Line: But shame that goes with poverty is all to rue. Subject(s): Poverty; Shame WORLD VIEW, by HATTIE GOSSETT Poem Source First Line: There's more poor than nonpoor Subject(s): Poverty WORRY ABOUT MONEY, by KATHLEEN JESSIE RAINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Wearing worry about money like a hair shirt Subject(s): Poverty WORRY ABOUT MONEY, by KATHLEEN JESSIE RAINE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wearing worry about money like a hair shirt Last Line: From the little there is in the bin of flour and the cruse of oil Subject(s): Poverty WRONG TIME, by JUAN RAMON JIMENEZ Poem Source First Line: Abingdon square. Two o'clock in the morning Last Line: What must I do to be saved Subject(s): Poverty; Preaching And Preachers; Salvation YOUNG TRAMPS, by LAVINIA MARSHALL Poem Text First Line: When hungry boys have knuckled hard my door Last Line: I swear I don't condemn you when you rob! Subject(s): Boys; Poverty |
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