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
Submit Spanish Translation
Submit German Translation
Submit French Translation
About The Crisis
The Crisis is a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This page includes the poem text, poet information, related topics, comments, and similar poems.
Write your comment about The Crisis poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Best Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar