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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BEYOND THE BARS, by GEORGE E. BOWEN
First Line: Within my cell are singing sounds - a robin's call, afar
Last Line: "and still I muse, in chains that chafe: ""will there be prisons then?"
Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Tyranny & Tyrants; Convicts; Dictators
First Line: Within my cell are singing sounds - a robin's call, afar
Last Line: "and still I muse, in chains that chafe: ""will there be prisons then?"
Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Tyranny & Tyrants; Convicts; Dictators
WITHIN my cell are singing sounds — a robin's call, afar.
Within this gloom are glories white — a light of sun or star.
Within this death-hole breathes the air of clover-fields a-hum.
What rare and radiant riches to the prisoned spirit come!
Within my cell glows ruddy wine — distilled of vineyards dear.
Within this fear are lance and shield — what valor gives me cheer.
Within defeat pride will not yield — a rebel heritage.
And youth is armed with years forgot, to crush the force of age.
Within my cell stands liberty — with many a flag of joy.
Within this death is freedom born — its tyrant to destroy.
Within this hush the bugles blow — to stir the hearts of men.
And still I muse, in chains that chafe: "Will there be prisons then?"
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