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A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

After Spanish Proverb

Dorothy Parker

Oh, mercifullest one of all,
  Oh, generous as dear,
None lived so lowly, none so small,
  Thou couldst withhold thy tear:

How swift, in pure compassion,
  How meek in charity,
To offer friendship to the one
  Who begged but love of thee!

Oh, gentle word, and sweetest said!
  Oh, tender hand, and first
To hold the warm, delicious bread
  To lips burned black of thirst.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Death and Taxes | Written c. 1931
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