Poetry · Chapter
Dedication Poem explained
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.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because the young man, after years of struggle and self-control, emotional…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
