The Poor House

HOPE went by and Peace went by
     And would not enter in;
  Youth went by and Health went by
     And Love that is their kin.

Those within the house shed tears
     On their bitter bread;
  Some were old and some were mad,
     And some were sick a-bed.

Gray Death saw the wretched house
     And even he passed by—
  “They have never lived,” he said,
     “They can wait to die.”