I know an aged Man constrained to dwell <br />In a large house of public charity, <br />Where he abides, as in a Prisoner's cell, <br />With numbers near, alas! no company. <br /> <br />When he could creep about, at will, though poor <br />And forced to live on alms, this old Man fed <br />A Redbreast, one that to his cottage door <br />Came not, but in a lane partook his bread. <br /> <br />There, at the root of one particular tree, <br />An easy seat this worn-out Labourer found <br />While Robin pecked the crumbs upon his knee <br />Laid one by one, or scattered on the ground. <br /> <br />Dear intercourse was theirs, day after day; <br />What signs of mutual gladness when they met! <br />Think of their common peace, their simple play, <br />The parting moment and its fond regret. <br /> <br />Months passed in love that failed not to fulfil, <br />In spite of season's change, its own demand, <br />By fluttering pinions here and busy bill; <br />There by caresses from a tremulous hand. <br /> <br />Thus in the chosen spot a tie so strong <br />Was formed between the solitary pair, <br />That when his fate had housed him 'mid a throng <br />The Captive shunned all converse proffered there. <br /> <br />Wife, children, kindred, they were dead and gone; <br />But, if no evil hap his wishes crossed, <br />One living Stay was left, and on that one <br />Some recompence for all that he had lost. <br /> <br />Oh that the good old Man had power to prove, <br />By message sent through air or visible token, <br />That still he loves the Bird, and still must love; <br />That friendship lasts though fellowship is broken!<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-know-an-old-man-constrained-to-dwell/
