THERE is dearth On the earth-- Who brought it there?-- Let them live, Let them thrive On their dainty fare. Let them laugh As they quaff While we droop and die-- Let them smile All the while At our starving cry. Let the poor Still endure And their hearts be sad-- Let the great Keep their state, Let them eat and be glad. Let them feed Till they bleed 'Neath the people's darts-- Oh! 'tis good When our food Is their quivering hearts! Oh! 'tis fine The rich wine From their streaming veins-- Let them feel Our sharp steel, Let them die in long pains. Let them weep As they sleep And dream of our name-- Let them quake When they wake Before death of shame. Let them writhe 'Neath the scythe That shall mow them down-- Let them know All the woe Of the people's frown. For the hour Of their power Has passed away, And the might As the right Is ours to-day. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VIRTUE [OR, VERTUE] by GEORGE HERBERT AT PORT ROYAL by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE COLD WAVE OF 32 B.C. by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS PSALM 129 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE MOTHERHOOD by WILLIAM STANLEY BRAITHWAITE IT'S HARD TO SAY by BERTON BRALEY |