Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SENTENCED TO DEATH, by CARROLL RYAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SENTENCED TO DEATH, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I must die on friday the first
Last Line: To the justice eternal of god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


I must die on Friday the first.
I have three weeks more to repent.
Thank heaven! I now know the worst
Of the law that will never relent.
But why should I grieve or be sad?
What is there in death that is worth
A thought to a spirit who had
More reason for terror in birth?

But I'm not alone in my doom,
Though fixed are my moments of breath;
I walk on the path to the tomb
With millions—all sentenced to death!
What is life? When hunger is fed,
Curiosity all satisfied,
We wearily turn on our bed
And sleep a long sleep undenied.

They talk of the mercy of God,
Of Jesus who died for my sins,—
A toss-up among rascals who nod
Approval when worst rascal wins!
Well, let them go on with their game;
I, at least, am no hypocrite vile:
In the depths of my sorrow and shame,
I can turn from their gods with a smile.

If the mercy of God were like theirs,
Could words its malignancy tell?
Hang the wretch! He's a fellow who dares
To think, and then send him to hell;
The villain who robbed me of all
That gave satisfaction to breath,
I slew as a serpent in coil—
I sentenced and sent him to death.

Civilization and progress—all cant,
Hypocrisy, subterfuge, sham!
Religion that runs into rant
Expires while muttering "Damn!"
Condemn me to death! Very good!
What care l for rope or for knife;
I stand where all martyrs have stood;
You cannot condemn me to life!

But the God who is Lord over all
Will look into my heart, and He knows
The agony, wormwood and gall,
The insults, the lashes, the blows.
He has hidden and He will reveal;
'Tis mine to pass under the rod.
From the sentence of man I appeal
To the justice eternal of God.





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