THE POOR HOUSE

HOPE went by and Peace went by

And would not enter in;

Youth went by and Health went by

And Love that is their kin.

Those within the house shed tears

On their bitter bread;

Some were old and some were mad,

And some were sick a-bed.

Gray Death saw the wretched house

And even he passed by —

“They have never lived,” he said,

“They can wait to die.”