Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GYPSY by CARL SANDBURG

Poet Analysis

First Line: I ASKED A GYPSY PAL
Last Line: YET HOLD THY LIPS READY TO SPEAK.
Subject(s): GYPSIES; GIPSIES;
I ASKED a gypsy pal
To imitate an old image
And speak old wisdom.
She drew in her chin,
Made her neck and head
The top piece of a Nile obelisk and said:
Snatch off the gag from thy mouth, child,
And be free to keep silence.
Tell no man anything for no man listens,
Yet hold thy lips ready to speak.


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