Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FELLOWSHIP by KATHARINE LEE BATES

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN BRAMBLES VEX ME SORE AND ANGUISH ME
Last Line: BITTER AND BLACK, I CRAVE THE HUMAN TASTE.
Subject(s): BROTHERHOOD;
When brambles vex me sore and anguish me,
Then I remember those pale martyr feet
That trod on burning shares and drank the heat,
As it had been God's dew, with ecstasy.

And when some evanescent sunset glow
Renews the beauty-sting, I set my pride
On that great fellowship of those who know
The artist's yearning, yet are self-denied.

Feast me no feasts that for the few are spread,
With holy cup of brotherhood ungraced,
For though I sicken at my daily bread,
Bitter and black, I crave the human taste.



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