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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RELIGION by AMBROSE BIERCE

First Line: HASSAN BEDRIDDIN, CLAD IN RAGS, ILL-SHOD
Last Line: "IT IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE I AM NOT."
Subject(s): PUBLIC WORSHIP; CHURCH ATTENDANCE;
Hassan Bedriddin, clad in rags, ill-shod,
Sought the great temple of the living God.
The worshippers arose and drove him forth,
And one in power beat him with a rod.

"Allah," he cried, "thou seest what I got;
Thy servants bar me from the sacred spot."
"Be comforted," the Holy One replied;
"It is the only place where I am not."



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