Poems by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
page 44 of 95 (46%)
page 44 of 95 (46%)
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Nor bring me back departed joys;
But ye can try to save the boys. Ye bid me break my fiery chain, Arise and be a man again, SAVE THE BOYS. 41 When every street with snares is spread, And nets of sin where'er I tread. No; I must reap as I did sow. The seeds of sin bring crops of woe; But with my latest breath I'll crave That ye will try the boys to save. These bloodshot eyes were once so bright; This sin-crushed heart was glad and light; But by the wine-cup's ruddy glow I traced a path to shame and woe. A captive to my galling chain, I've tried to rise, but tried in vain-- The cup allures and then destroys. Oh! from its thraldom save the boys. Take from your streets those traps of hell Into whose gilded snares I fell. Oh! freemen, from these foul decoys Arise, and vote to save the boys. Oh, ye who license men to trade |
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