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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SUNDAY UP THE RIVER: 15 by JAMES THOMSON (1834-1882)

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: GIVE A MAN A HORSE HE CAN RIDE
Last Line: AT HOME, ON LAND, ON SEA.
Subject(s): GIFTS & GIVING; LOVE;
GIVE a man a horse he can ride,
Give a man a boat he can sail;
And his rank and wealth, his strength and health,
On sea nor shore shall fail.

Give a man a pipe he can smoke,
Give a man a book he can read:
And his home is bright with a calm delight,
Though the room be poor indeed.

Give a man a girl he can love,
As I, O my love, love thee;
And his heart is great with the pulse of Fate,
At home, on land, on sea.


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