WHAT! do I hear the nations boast Of what the century's shown, The while on Corfu's distant coast The persecuted groan? The while in Russia's spreading space No smallest place is found Whereon a guiltless hunted race May find a resting ground? The while e'en noblest charity But little can avail, And bitter, widespread misery Relates a woful tale? The while some starve and have no bed While others roll in gold, And socialism's spirit dread The problem would unfold? The while in Europe's cultured lands Vast armies still maintain, And men must learn from skilled commands How men may best be slain? And to achieve this worldly lore Must work more worthy cease, Constrained to practice art of war In time of doubtful peace? The while so many a labor-strike Speaks of injustice rife, On man and master's side alike, And leads to endless strife? The while so many wretched cry In vain for Work? Oh, say! Is aught herein to glorify? Or reason for dismay! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHAMBER MUSIC: 17 by JAMES JOYCE CHAMBER THICKET by SHARON OLDS AUGUST FIRST by HAYDEN CARRUTH WESTERN CIVILIZATION by JAMES GALVIN SONG BY THE WINDOW BEFORE BED by KATHERINE MANSFIELD |