Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WHEN BRYAN SPEAKS by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN BRYAN SPEAKS, THE TOWN'S A HIVE
Last Line: WHO MAKE WORLD-BROTHERHOOD THEIR CHOICE.
Subject(s): BROTHERHOOD; BRYAN, WILLIAM JENNINGS (1860-1925);

When Bryan speaks, the town's a hive.
From miles around, the autos drive.
The sparrow chirps. The rooster crows.
The place is kicking and alive.

When Bryan speaks, the bunting glows.
The raw procession onward flows.
The small dogs bark. The children laugh
A wind of springtime fancy blows.

When Bryan speaks, the wigwam shakes.
The corporation magnate quakes.
The pre-convention plot is smashed.
The valiant pleb full-armed awakes.

When Bryan speaks, the sky is ours,
The wheat, the forests, and the flowers.
And who is here to say us nay?
Fled are the ancient tyrant powers.

When Bryan speaks, then I rejoice.
His is the strange composite voice
Of many million singing souls
Who make world-brotherhood their choice.




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