Classic Poem

(in memory of Eugene Debs)

Art thou alarmed,
O Troubled Dwellers in the House of Life,
That in this hour,
The Cosmic mutterings of Coming Wars,
And Wrongs in Labor's Name,
Are heard above the Human Cry
'Gainst Inhumanity?

Discard thy fears,
And rouse thee to the Pulsing Call
Of those, who, undismayed,
Keep ceaseless vigilance
E'en at the Portals,
Where their voices blend full mightily,
While hurling forth
The Challenge of the Just.

They spurn defeat,
Nor shrink from Prison Walls,
Or threats of Death;
Urged on by Holy Purpose to destroy
Age-old foundations,
Laid in strong contempt
Of Just Demand
In Common Brotherhood.

Rise then, in faith,
O Troubled Dwellers in the House of Life,
And by such faith,
Uphold these Comrades All,
Who, in Our Day,
Are opening Doors of Hope.
Fear not! the Keepers of the House,
Have rightly willed it so.