Behold the gloomy tyrant's awful form Binding the captive earth in icy chains; His chilling breath sweeps o'er the watery plains, Howls in the blast, and swells the rising storm. See from its center bends the rifted tower, Threat'ning the lowly vale with frowning pride, O'er the scared flocks that seek its sheltering side, A fearful ruin o'er their heads to pour. While to the cheerful hearth and social board Content and ease repair, the sons of want Receive from niggard fate their pittance scant; And where some shed bleak covert may afford, Wan poverty, amidst her meager host Casts round her haggard eyes, and shivers at the frost. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY HUT; AFTER TRAN QUANG KHAI by HAYDEN CARRUTH A DIM DOORWAY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON A PLANTATION BACCHANAL by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON ANSWER TO PRAYER by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON CAMOMILE TEA by KATHERINE MANSFIELD |