Some--And Some

Some have much, and some have more,
Some are rich, and some are poor,
Some have little, some have less,
Some have not a cent to bless
Their empty pockets, yet possess
True riches in true happiness.

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

William Arthur Dunkerley, better known by his pen name John Oxenham, was an English journalist, novelist, and poet. He was a prolific writer in the early 20th century, producing a wide range of literary works including poetry, hymns, and novels. His works often reflected Christian themes and were popular during his time. Dunkerley also contributed to the establishment of the Boys' Brigade, a notable youth organization in the UK. His legacy includes a significant contribution to both literature and social causes.

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

English

Suggested Poems

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Which

    Who then is rich, who poor? I'll tell you now
        Of one, a meagre life who had to live,
    Wear dingy garb, and scarcely could allow
        Himself what men call comfort; yet to give
    Was his delight, - to give full-heartedly.
        Though Fate had hampered him, he always knew
    Some one still poorer. In humility
        He thus gave hope to him who had small view
    Of happier things; - solace to him who wept; -
        And to the beaten courage to endure.
    He shared his little with the starved, and kept
        His best for those who needed most. Though poor,
                By giving he grew richer day by day
                In all that brightens life's uncertain way.

    There was another who had never known
        A wish unsatisfie...

Helen Leah Reed

Few Fortunate.

Many we are, and yet but few possess
Those fields of everlasting happiness.

Robert Herrick

Riches And Poverty.

God could have made all rich, or all men poor;
But why He did not, let me tell wherefore:
Had all been rich, where then had patience been?
Had all been poor, who had His bounty seen?

Robert Herrick

Better And Best

Better in bitterest agony to lie,
Before Thy throne,
Than through much increase to be lifted up on high,
And stand alone.

Better by one sweet soul, constant and true,
To be beloved,
Than all the kingdoms of delight to trample through,
Unloved, unloved.

Yet best--the need that broke me at Thy feet,
In voiceless prayer,
And cast my chastened heart, a sacrifice complete,
Upon Thy care.

For all the world is nought, and less than nought,
Compared with this,--
That my dear Lord, with His own life, my ransom bought,
And I am His.

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

Treasure-Trove

Lord Christ, let me but hold Thy hand
And all the rest may go.
For nothing is, but only seems,
And life is full of idle dreams,
        Until Thyself we know.

The whole wide world is nought beside
The wonder of Thy love.
And though my state be mean and strait,
Give me but heart to work and wait,
        And I have Treasure-Trove.

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

Poverty And Riches

Who with a little cannot be content,
Endures an everlasting punishment.

Robert Herrick