Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POOR-HOUSE by SARA TEASDALE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOPE WENT BY AND PEACE WENT BY
Last Line: "THEY CAN WAIT TO DIE."
Subject(s): POVERTY;

HOPE went by and Peace went by
And would not enter in;
Youth went by and Health went by
And Love that is their kin.

Those within the house shed tears
On their bitter bread;
Some were old and some were mad,
And some were sick a-bed.

Gray Death saw the wretched house
And even he passed by--
"They have never lived," he said,
"They can wait to die."




Home: PoetryExplorer.net