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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE UNFINISHED WORK by JOSEPH FULFORD FOLSOM

First Line: THE CROWD WAS GONE, AND TO THE SIDE
Last Line: AND SANK BESIDE HIM ON THE BENCH.
Subject(s): FREEDOM; LINCOLN, ABRAHAM (1809-1865); PRESIDENTS, UNITED STATES; STATUES; LIBERTY;

The crowd was gone, and to the side
Of Borglum's Lincoln, deep in awe,
I crept. It seemed a mighty tide
Within those aching eyes I saw.

"Great heart," I said, "why grieve alway?
The battle's ended, and the shout
Shall ring forever and a day, --
Why sorrow yet, or darkly doubt?"

"Freedom," I plead, "so nobly won
For all mankind, and equal right,
Shall with the ages travel on
Till time shall cease, and day be night."

No answer -- then; but up the slope,
With broken gait, and hands in clench,
A toiler came, bereft of hope,
And sank beside him on the bench.



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