Each night he talked of distant Joppa's lure, Damascus, and the river Parpher's charm, Until the vision goaded him to leave; I too would fain have left my father's farm; But some there be who lightly drop their load, And some whom duty binds with iron bands; I could not leave my father here alone, With age-dimmed eyes and helpless fumbling hands. Now back to port he comes in beggar rags, With memories to gild the long, long nights; Secure and safe I dream of -- flocks and grain -- And share vicariously his garnered sights. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PHILOSOPHER by EMILY JANE BRONTE WAITING FOR THE GRAPES by WILLIAM MAGINN FOR SPRING, BY SANDRO BOTTICELLI by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI A CHARACTER by ALFRED TENNYSON L. OF G.'S PURPORT by WALT WHITMAN AT LAST by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER |