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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THY BROTHER'S BLOOD by JONES VERY

Poet Analysis

First Line: I HAVE NO BROTHER. THEY WHO MEET ME NOW
Last Line: SHALL NOT BE SEEN UPON THY HAND AGAIN.

I have no Brother -- they who meet me now
Offer a hand with their own wills defiled,
And while they wear a smooth unwrinkled brow
Know not that Truth can never be beguiled;
Go wash the hand that still betrays thy guilt;
Before the spirit's gaze what stain can hide?
Abel's red blood upon the earth is spilt,
And by thy tongue it cannot be denied;
I hear not with the ear -- the heart doth tell
Its secret deeds to me untold before;
Go, all its hidden plunder quickly sell,
Then shalt thou cleanse thee from thy brother's gore;
Then will I take thy gift -- that bloody stain
Shall not be seen upon thy hand again.




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