My Vocation Poem by Toru Dutt

My Vocation

Rating: 4.4


A waif on this earth,
Sick, ugly and small,
Contemned from my birth
And rejected by all,
From my lips broke
Where - oh where shall I fly?
Who comfort will bring?
Sing, - said God in reply,
Chant poor little thing.


Life struck me with fright -
Full of chances and pain,
So I hugged with delight
The drudge's hard chain;
One must eat, - yet I die,
Like a bird with clipped wing,
Sing - said God in reply,
Chant poor little thing.


Love cheered for a while
My morn with his ray,
But like a ripple or smile
My youth passed away.
Now near Beauty I sigh,
But fled is the spring!
Sing - said God in reply,
Chant poor little thing.


All men have a task,
And to sing is my lot -
No meed from men I ask
But one kindly thought.
My vocation is high -
'Mid the glasses that ring,
Still - still comes that reply,
Chant poor little thing.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Dr Antony Theodore 02 August 2020

Where - oh where shall I fly? Who comfort will bring? Sing, - said God in reply, Chant poor little thing. emotional expressions. tony

0 0 Reply
Manonton Dalan 20 January 2016

I wonder what was she chanting? ? ? ? ? ? ?

1 1 Reply
Susan Williams 20 January 2016

This poet died when he was 21? His life was so brief to carry such a huge talent. This poem touched me as I think it will touch many readers. It is simple- it is a plea for a little touch of glory in our lives- -it is a piece of comfort for a large heartache- my gosh, but I like this little simple heartbreaking poem.

25 1 Reply

And Toru Dutt passed away at the age of 21, in 1877

0 0

Tofu Dutt was an Indian FEMALE translator, poet, litterateur, who wrote in English. We can say, she was the founder of English writing in India.

0 0
* Sunprincess * 20 January 2016

.....a wonderful message...i wish their were more poems in this collection ★

1 0 Reply
Ratnakar Mandlik 20 January 2016

But like a ripple or smile My youth passed away Now near beauty I sigh But fled is the spring Very lovable diction. Thanks for sharing.

1 0 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Toru Dutt

Toru Dutt

Calcutta / India
Close
Error Success