Hunger
By Hallie Grigg
The heart of Rachel for her children weeps
Beholding how their sorrows multiply
When the vague hunger shadow grimly creeps
Like a dark cloud across the lowering sky.
And ears are startled as folk plead for bread,
Exploited by war’s wanton wastefulness.
“Depart hence,” say men, “be ye clothed and fed,”
Yet often fail to help their dire distress;
Till famine reaches forth its bony hands
To rouse them from their deep complacency,
While God’s own hourglass pours out its sands;
Men must have food as well as liberty.
In giving to the poor we lend to one
Who waits to say to those who give, “Well done!”
(1948)
Wow. Who is this Hallie Grigg? And what were the circumstances that prompted this profound poem? So many questions….
I suspect the Arab-Israeli war was the immediate prompt — but as long as war and famine exist without adequate care for its victims, this poem will sound fresh and current. I really liked it.
Yep, agreed. Great find. And these lines are so powerful: “Men must have food as well as liberty” and “In giving to the poor we lend to one.” Love it.