‘ALL men are free and equal born
Before the Law!’ So runs the worn
And specious, lying, parrot-cry.
All men are free-to starve or sigh;
But few to feed on Egypt’s corn.
There toils the sweated slave, forlorn;
There weeps the babe with hunger torn;
Dear God! Forgive us for the lie-
‘All men are free!’
That man may laugh while this must mourn;
One’s heir to honour, one to scorn-
Were they born free? Were you? Was I?
No! Not when born, but when they die
And of their robes-or rags-are shorn,
All men are free!
(Elliott Napier)
More Poetry from Elliott Napier:
Elliott Napier Poems based on Topics: Honor, God, Law & Regulation, Forgiveness, Slavery, ManReaders Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Man Poems, God Poems, Law & Regulation Poems, Forgiveness Poems, Honor Poems, Slavery PoemsBased on Keywords: parrot-cry