The Crisis Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABABCD EFEFGG DHDHII JKJKLM| A man of low degree was sore oppressed | A |
| Fate held him under iron handed sway | B |
| And ever those who saw him thus distressed | A |
| Would bid him bend his stubborn will and pray | B |
| But he strong in himself and obdurate | C |
| Waged prayerless on his losing fight with Fate | D |
| - | |
| Friends gave his proffered hand their coldest clasp | E |
| Or took it not at all and Poverty | F |
| That bruised his body with relentless grasp | E |
| Grinned taunting when he struggled to be free | F |
| But though with helpless hands he beat the air | G |
| His need extreme yet found no voice in prayer | G |
| - | |
| Then he prevailed and forthwith snobbish Fate | D |
| Like some whipped cur came fawning at his feet | H |
| Those who had scorned forgave and called him great | D |
| His friends found out that friendship still was sweet | H |
| But he once obdurate now bowed his head | I |
| In prayer and trembling with its import said | I |
| - | |
| Mere human strength may stand ill fortune's frown | J |
| So I prevailed for human strength was mine | K |
| But from the killing pow'r of great renown | J |
| Naught may protect me save a strength divine | K |
| Help me O Lord in this my trembling cause | L |
| I scorn men's curses but I dread applause | M |
Paul Laurence Dunbar
(1)
Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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