63. “Talk with prudence to a beggar.” Part One: Life. Dickinson, Emily. 1924. Complete Poems

Verse > Emily Dickinson > Complete Poems > I. Life > 63. “Talk with prudence to a beggar”

Emily Dickinson (1830–86). Complete Poems. 1924.

Part One: Life

LXIII

TALK with prudence to a beggar
Of “Potosi” and the mines!
Reverently to the hungry
Of your viands and your wines!

Cautious, hint to any captive	5
You have passed enfranchised feet!
Anecdotes of air in dungeons
Have sometimes proved deadly sweet!