# Dedication Poem explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

The poem recounts the biblical story of Hagar and her child, cast out into the wilderness, and draws a parallel to the founding of a home for aged colored people through the bequest of Mr. Edward T. Parker. It celebrates the gift as a fountain of refreshment and expresses hope for eternal reward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Family

Hagar's desperate care for her child mirrors the nurturing spirit celebrated in the home.

### Hope and Redemption

The fountain that saves Hagar symbolizes the gift that brings hope and refreshment to the aged.

### Faith and Divine Justice

The poem invokes divine providence and the promise of eternal life.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator tells the story of Hagar and reflects on the dedication of the home.

### The People

The aged residents of the home are the beneficiaries of the gift.

## Key lines

> Outcast from her home in Syria In the lonely, dreary wild; Heavy hearted, sorrow stricken, Sat a mother and her child.

A mother and her child, cast out from their home, sit in a desolate wilderness, overwhelmed with grief.

_Opens with Hagar's exile, setting a tone of abandonment._

> Then she veiled her face in sorrow, Feared her child would die of thirst; Till her eyes with tears so holden Saw a sparkling fountain burst.

Hagar, in despair, hides her face, fearing her child will die of thirst, until through her tears she sees a fountain spring forth.

_The miraculous fountain provides relief, symbolizing divine intervention._

> Here is one by which we gather, On this bright and happy day, Just to bask beside a fountain Making gladder life’s highway.

Today we gather around this fountain of kindness, which brightens the journey of life.

_Connects the biblical fountain to the charitable gift._

> May the memory of the giver In this home where age may rest, Float like fragrance through the ages, Ever blessing, ever blest.

May the giver's memory linger like a sweet scent in this home, bringing blessings forever.

_Honors Mr. Edward T. Parker's legacy._

> When life’s shattered cords of music Shall again be sweetly sung; Then our hearts with life immortal, Shall be young, forever young.

When the broken music of life is restored, our immortal hearts will be eternally young.

_Ends with a vision of resurrection and eternal youth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/dedication-poem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters