Part 1 (1/2)
Rebel Verses.
by Bernard Gilbert.
The Rebel
I live in music, in poetry, and in the life reflective.
I seek intellectual boldness in man, I wors.h.i.+p mental swiftness in women.
I have no love for lawyers, priests, schoolmasters, or any dogmatic men.
I am with poor against rich, labour against employer, women against men; I fight beside all strikers, mutineers, and rebels.
I welcome foes; I desire criticism.
I loathe prejudice, either social or national; I repudiate all claims.
I demand freedom of action and leisure for reflection.
Facing Death, I would say: 'I have tasted all, tried all, dared all, suffered all, and I repent nothing.'
Song of Revolt
Crowns are ashake, The princes and the Kings are bending low, And, round the world, Before the blast of Freedom, thrones are hurled: The People are awake!
Over the Ark of Tyranny The red flag flaunts abroad for all to see!
Whilst to the roll of drums Swelling triumphantly, the glad cry comes: The People shall be free!
In dungeons, men, long-bound for freedom's sake, Forgotten of G.o.d, deep-frozen by despair, Hear with surprise that clangorous fanfare: The People are awake!
Our fathers heard the call, When Liberty from her bonds like the angry sea, Pouring mightily forth, slew tyranny, And singing the Ma.r.s.eillaise, bade crowns to fall, That all men should be free!
Men shall be slaves no more!
From sea to sea That Word of hope unspeakable succour brings; The day dawneth when there are no more Kings: And the People, the People shall be free!
There Aint no G.o.d
There aint no G.o.d!
Coz if there were-- My boy what's under foreign sod Would be alive, and here: Instead of which young William Porter What never listed when he orter-- Has his farm; And braunges yonder safe away from harm.
Poor lad!--he went-- I can't forgit that night-- While Porter laughed him outer sight; Now--he is spent: Porter's all right.
What does he care?
He's thinking of another farm, Instead of laying in some ditch He's rich!
And folk'll gallop at his nod.
I say it!