Poems (Harper, 1898)/Save the Boys
Save The Boys.
Like Dives in the deeps of HellI cannot break this fearful spell,Nor quench the fires I've madly nursed,Nor cool this dreadful raging thirst.Take back your pledge—ye come too late!Ye cannot save me from my fate,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, 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 craveThat 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 glowI 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 hellInto whose gilded snares I fell.Oh freemen, from these foul decoys.Arise, and vote to save the boys.Oh, ye who license men to tradeIn draughts that charm and then degrade,Before ye hear the cry, Too late,Oh, save the boys from my sad fate.