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...AT A COWBOY DANCE by JAMES BARTON ADAMS BILLY, HE'S IN TROUBLE by JAMES BARTON ADAMS STELLA AND FLAVIA by MARY BARBER SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 12 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING SONGS OF THE SEA CHILDREN: 117 by BLISS CARMAN YE DID IT UNTO ME by PHOEBE CARY THE SILENT SISTERS OF THE POOR by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE OUT OF THE SHADOWS: AN UNFINISHED SONNET-SEQUENCE 1 by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. |