Freedom (Ridge)

Let men be free!All violence is but the agonyOf caged things fighting blindly for the rightTo be and breathe and burn their little hour.Bare spirits--not debightIn smooth-set garments of philosophy;But near earth forces, elemental, crude,Scarce knowing their invicible, rude power;Within the close of their primeval servitudeHalf comatose.

Who, ravening for their depleted dowerOf so much sun and air and warmth and food,And the same right to procreate and loveAs the beasts have and the birds,Strike wild--not having wordsTo parry with---at the cold force above.

Let men be free!Hate is the priceOf servitude, paid covertly; and viceBut the unclean recoil of tortured fleshWhipped through the centuries within a meshSpun out of priestly art.Oh men, arise, be free!--Who breaks one barOf tyranny in this so bitter starHas cleansed its bitterness in part.