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Shamus

EN

CN

2020.05.26 10:05

Song of the Shirt by Thomas Hood.

Part 3 of 6.

"But why

do I talk of death?
That phantom of grisly bone,
I hardly fear his terrible shape,
It seems so like my own—
It seems so like my own,
Because of the fasts I keep;
Oh, God! that bread should be so dear.
And flesh and blood so cheap!

"Work—work—work!
My labour never flags;
And what are its wages? A bed of straw,
A crust of bread—and rags.
That shattered roof—this naked floor—
A table—a broken chair—
And a wall so blank, my shadow I thank
For sometimes falling there!
75 10

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Comments

  • Shamus 2020.05.26 10:05

    EN
    CN

    The following information about this poem is from Wikipedia: It was written in honour of a Mrs. Biddell, a widow and seamstress living in wretched conditions. In what was, at that time, common practice, Mrs. Biddell sewed trousers and shirts in her home using materials given to her by her employer for which she was forced to give a £2 deposit. In a desperate attempt to feed her starving infants, Mrs. Biddell pawned the clothing she had made, thus accruing a debt she could not pay. Mrs. Biddell, whose first name has not been recorded, was sent to a workhouse, and her ultimate fate is unknown; however, her story became a catalyst for those who actively opposed the wretched conditions of England’s working poor, who often spent seven days a week labouring under inhumane conditions, barely managing to survive and with no prospect for relief. Thank you for listening. 🙏💔
  • 苏寒卿 2020.05.26 10:09

    CN
    FR

    What does "flag" mean in this poem?
  • Shamus 2020.05.26 10:10

    EN
    CN

    @苏寒卿 In this context it means her efforts never wane. She doesn't tire but keeps working.
  • Shero bint Hero 2020.05.26 10:13

    AR
    EN

    Omg!!!! This is what we really need here!!!! 😳 *follows immediately*
  • 苏寒卿 2020.05.26 10:15

    CN
    FR

    @Shamus Thank you.
  • Shamus 2020.05.26 10:24

    EN
    CN

    @Shero bint Hero 😂, thank you, thank you. 🙏
  • Sophia 2020.05.26 10:25

    CN
    EN

    OMG 😂too pleasant to hear
  • Shero bint Hero 2020.05.26 10:38

    AR
    EN

    @Shamus No!!!! Thank YOU hahahahaah!!!!!
  • shams 2020.05.26 10:58

    AR
    EN

    Woow
  • Elegent 2020.05.26 11:28

    AR
    EN

    ☺wow wow wow

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