I cried at Pity not at Pain — The Old Curiosity Shop

I cried at Pity－not at Pain－¹
I heard a Woman say
"Poor Child"－and something in her voice
Convicted me－of me－

So long I fainted, to myself ⁵
It seemed the common way,
And Health, and Laughter, Curious things－
To look at, like a Toy－

To sometimes hear "Rich people" buy ⁹
And see the Parcel rolled－
And carried, I supposed－to Heaven,
For children, made of Gold－

But not to touch, or wish for, ¹³
Or think of, with a sigh－
And so and so－had been to me,
Had God willed differently.

I wish I knew that Woman's name－¹⁷
So when she comes this way,
To hold my life, and hold my ears
For fear I hear her say

She's "sorry I am dead"－again－²¹
Just when the Grave and I－
Have sobbed ourselves almost to sleep,
Our only Lullaby－

(F.394/J.588)

[1–24]:: This poem is about Nell Trent in The Old Curiosity Shop (1841) by Charles Dickens.
[1] I, not at Pain:: Nell Trent, a brave girl lived with her grandfather.
[2, 3] a Woman say, "Poor Child":: Nell's mother, died early.
[7, 8] Curious things, Toy:: a hint on the Curiosity Shop.
[21] "sorry I am dead":: Nell's mother failed to raise Nell.
[22, 23] Grave and I, sleep:: Nell died before her friend reached her.