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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THORNS by ALICE CARY

Poet Analysis

First Line: I DO NOT THINK THE PROVIDENCE UNKIND
Last Line: EVEN FOR ME.
Subject(s): GOD; LIFE;

I DO not think the Providence unkind
That gives its bad things to this life of ours;
They are the thorns whereby we, travelers blind,
Feel out our flowers.

I think hate shows the quality of love, --
That wrong attests that somewhere there is right:
Do not the darkest shadows serve to prove
The power of light?

On tyrannous ways the feet of Freedom press;
The green bough broken off, lets sunshine in;
And where sin is, aboundeth righteousness,
Much more than sin.

Man cannot be all selfish; separate good
Is nowhere found beneath the shining sun:
All adverse interests, truly understood,
Resolve to one!

I do believe all worship doth ascend, --
Whether from temple floors by heathen trod,
Or from the shrines where Christian praises blend, --
To the true God,

Blessed forever: that His love prepares
The raven's food; the sparrow's fall doth see;
And, simple, sinful as I am, He cares
Even for me.



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