Poems (Taggart)/Pity

by Cynthia Taggart

PITY. "To him that is afflicted, pity should be shown from his friend."

How sweetly friends in kindness smile,
 And boast affection true;
But long attention weans their love,
 And makes their number few.

When first Affliction prostrates low,
 They weep, and wish relief;
But should it prove beyond their power,
 Deny the hopeless grief.

The sleepless night, the wretched day,
 To months and years prolonged,
Drive all one's pitying friends away,
 That once benignant thronged.

The gasping breath, the struggling moan,
 The sigh, and bitter tear,
Ne'er find compassion when 't is fled,
 Nor reach the shunning ear.