Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLADE OF EXPANSION, by HILDA JOHNSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLADE OF EXPANSION, by                    
First Line: Time was he sang the british brute
Last Line: The ethical expansionist!
Subject(s): Imperialism; Philippines; United States; America


TIME was he sang the British Brute,
The ruthless lion's grasping greed,
The European Law of Loot,
The despot's devastating deed;
But now he sings the heavenly creed
Of saintly sword and friendly fist,
He loves you, though he makes you bleed --
The Ethical Expansionist!

He loves you, Heathen! Though his foot
May kick you like a worthless weed
From that wild field where you have root,
And scatter to the winds your seed;
He's just the government you need;
If you object, why, he'll insist,
And, on your protest, "draw a bead" --
The Ethical Expansionist!

He'll take you to him coute que coute!
He'll win you, though you fight and plead.
His guns shall urge his ardent suit,
Relentless fire his cause shall speed.
In time you'll learn to write and read
(That is, if you should then exist!),
You won't, if you his course impede --
The Ethical Expansionist!

ENVOI

Heathen, you must, you shall be freed!
It's really useless to resist;
To save your life, you'd better heed
The Ethical Expansionist!





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