Classic Poem

To be unpitied, to be weary,
To feel the nights, the daytimes, dreary,
To find nor bread nor wine that's cheery,
To live apart,
To be unneighbored among neighbors,
Sharing the burdens and the labors,
Never to have the songs or tabors
Gladden the heart.

To be a penitent forever,
And yet a sinner—never, never
At peace with the Divine Forgiver—
Always at prayer,
Longing for Mercy's white pavilion,
Yet all the while a stubborn alien,
Uprising proudly in rebellion,
Hell, Heaven, to dare.

To feel all thoughts alike unholy,
To count all pleasures but as folly,
To mope in ways of melancholy,
Nor rest to know;
To be a gleaner, not a reaper,
A scorner proud, a humble weeper,
And of no heart to be the keeper,
This is my wo!