He Told a Homely Tale
poem 763
He Told a Homely Tale - meaning Summary
Childhood Marked by Generational Loss
The poem presents a small child whose face shows a premature, emotional scar and physical neglect. Images — a solitary kiss shared with a redbreast, a “crumpled” cheek — suggest absence or loss of parents or community. The speaker imagines possibilities for that absence and finally declares having "ransomed" the missing barefoot citizen, implying rescue, guardianship, or moral responsibility toward vulnerable children as emblematic of communal duty.
Read Complete AnalysesHe told a homely tale And spotted it with tears Upon his infant face was set The Cicatrice of years All crumpled was the cheek No other kiss had known Than flake of snow, divided with The Redbreast of the Barn If Mother in the Grave Or Father on the Sea Or Father in the Firmament Or Brethren, had he If Commonwealth below, Or Commonwealth above Have missed a Barefoot Citizen I’ve ransomed it alive
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