The Criminal V Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: A B C C C D C C| A young man of strong body weakened by hunger sat on the walker's portion of the street stretching his hand toward all who passed begging and repeating his hand toward all who passed begging and repeating the sad song of his defeat in life while suffering from hunger and from humiliation | A |
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| When night came his lips and tongue were parched while his hand was still as empty as his stomach | B |
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| He gathered himself and went out from the city where he sat under a tree and wept bitterly Then he lifted his puzzled eyes to heaven while hunger was eating his inside and he said quot Oh Lord I went to the rich man and asked for employment but he turned me away because of my shabbiness I knocked at the school door but was forbidden solace because I was empty handed I sought any occupation that would give me bread but all to no avail In desperation I asked alms but They worshippers saw me and said quot He is strong and lazy and he should not beg quot | C |
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| quot Oh Lord it is Thy will that my mother gave birth unto me and now the earth offers me back to You before the Ending quot | C |
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| His expression then changed He arose and his eyes now glittered in determination He fashioned a thick and heavy stick from the branch of the tree and pointed it toward the city shouting quot I asked for bread with all the strength of my voice and was refused Not I shall obtain it by the strength of my muscles I asked for bread in the name of mercy and love but humanity did not heed I shall take it now in the name of evil quot | C |
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| The passing years rendered the youth a robber killer and destroyer of souls he crushed all who opposed him he amassed fabulous wealth with which he won himself over to those in power He was admired by colleagues envied by other thieves and feared by the multitudes | D |
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| His riches and false position prevailed upon the Emir to appoint him deputy in that city the sad process pursued by unwise governors Thefts were then legalized oppression was supported by authority crushing of the weak became commonplace the throngs curried and praised | C |
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| Thus does the first touch of humanity's selfishness make criminals of the humble and make killers of the sons of peace thus does the early greed of humanity grow and strike back at humanity a thousand fold | C |
Khalil Gibran
(1)
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