I HAD a hunger nothing filled; But pity not, for so 'twas willed: The Blessed struck from out my palms Whatever dole of kindly alms! It was a sign that I must know How all Earth's unfed children go -- How bravely, for they ply their tasks Above a want that asks and asks! I was a singer in the streets, My song -- I timed it to the beats Of one great heart that shook through all. Oh, none so quick to hear its call, Oh, none so pitying of its cry -- Yet none so pitiless as I Who knew a hunger nothing filled, Whose inward cry could not be stilled! It was from hunger that I sang, My song was of the hunger-pang! The famished, on each side, drew near, Among themselves they smiled to hear So perfectly their want made known! Their thanks were choral undertone; For them I broke my song as bread -- They caught the fragments and were fed. The rich sent bidding to their feasts; Yet others haled me to their priests To exorcise that spell unblest Wherewith they deemed I was oppressed! But Hunger was my heritage, And Hunger was my heavenly wage -- To nevermore be satisfied, To wander singing till I died! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OLD WAR-DREAMS by WALT WHITMAN THE DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE OF NEWBURY by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER LOVE AND TIME by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD POSTHUMOUS REMORSE by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE AND JESUS WEPT by MATTHEW BRIDGES NIGHT by MARY FRANCES MARSHALL BUTTS A PARAPHRASE ON THE COLLECT FOR ADVENT SUNDAY by JOHN BYROM |