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1840–1928

CRY OF THE HOMELESS

Thomas Hardy

“Instigator of the ruin - Whichsoever thou mayst be Of the masterful of Europe That contrived our misery -

Hear the wormwood-worded greeting From each city, shore, and lea Of thy victims: “Conqueror, all hail to thee!”

“Yea:‘ All hail!’ we grimly shout thee That wast author, fount, and head Of these wounds, whoever proven When our times are throughly read.

‘ May thy loved be slighted, blighted, And forsaken,’ be it said By thy victims, ‘ And thy children beg their bread!’

“Nay: a richer malediction! - Rather let this thing befall In time's hurling and unfurling On the night when comes thy call;

That compassion dew thy pillow And bedrench thy senses all For thy victims, Till death dark thee with his pall.”

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CRY OF THE HOMELESS · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove