"A man must live!" We justify Low shift and trick, to treason high; A little vote for a little gold, Or a whole Senate bought and sold, With this self-evident reply— "A man must live!" But is it so? Pray tell me why Life at such cost you have to buy. In what religion were you told A man must live? There are times when a man must die! There are times when a man will die! Imagine for a battle-cry From soldiers with a sword to hold, From soldiers with a flag unfurled, This coward's whine, this liar's lie, "A man must live!" The Saviour did not "live!" He died! But in his death was life— Life for himself and all mankind! He found his life by losing it! And we, being crucified Afresh with him, may find Life in the cup of death, And, drinking it, Win life forever more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TWO IN THE CAMPAGNA by ROBERT BROWNING A BALLAD OF TREES AND THE MASTER by SIDNEY LANIER THE OLD CHURCHYARD OF BONCHURCH by PHILIP BOURKE MARSTON TAPESTRY TREES by WILLIAM MORRIS (1834-1896) TO MY SISTER by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH P. C., X, 36 by HENRY MAXIMILIAN BEERBOHM A PITIFUL CASE by WILLIAM BLAKE DEAD LETTERS (T.L.H.) by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN AN ARGUMENT FOR DAVID'S BELIEF OF A FUTURE STATE by JOHN BYROM |