# CLXIV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator addresses a creditor, pleading not to be despised for his delinquency, insisting that his default is not a sign of poverty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator's plea suggests a possible gap between appearance and reality regarding his financial state.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator speaks as a debtor, defending his character against assumptions of poverty.

## Key lines

> Pray do not despise your delinquent debtor; his default is no proof of poverty.

Please do not look down on me for failing to pay; my failure does not mean I am poor.

_The narrator asks for understanding, separating moral judgment from financial circumstance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/clxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters