Perchance for dear Life's sake and life is sweet
When work had failed and roads were deep in snow,
And this meant food and fire, she fell so low
That painted creature of the midnight street.
Perchance that other, with the shoeless feet,
Was Nature's victim, too untaught to know
That all live buds are not allowed to blow
Too starved and passion−blind to be discreet.
And their accuser? She within the fold
That walks in light, bejewelled and belaced,
Who in cold blood, and not for love or need,
Sold the white flower of womanhood for gold;
The wedded harlot, rich and undisgraced,
The viler prostitute in mind and deed
I am busy working to bring Ada Cambridge's "Outcast" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Ada Cambridge's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Outcast" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.