Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PREACHER by AL-MAHDI

First Line: THEIR SHOULDERS YOU SHOOK
Last Line: NOT TO CUT WITH YOUR OWN?

Their shoulders you shook
When they parted; but they
Completely forsook
You, when you went away.

Fine lessons you teach,
But yourself do not school;
Grand sermons you preach,
And remain still a fool.

How long will you whet
Others' swords on your stone,
Continuing yet
Not to cut with your own?



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