Cry of the Homeless

After the Prussian Invasion of Belgium

-

"Instigator of the ruin -
   Whichsoever thou mayst be
Of the masterful of Europe
   That contrived our misery -
Hear the wormwood-worded greeting
   From each city, shore, and lea
      Of thy victims:
   "Conqueror, all hail to thee!"
"Yea:  'All hail!' we grimly shout thee
   That wast author, fount, and head
Of these wounds, whoever proven
   When our times are throughly read.
'May thy loved be slighted, blighted,
   And forsaken,' be it said
      By thy victims,
   'And thy children beg their bread!'
"Nay:  a richer malediction! -
   Rather let this thing befall
In time's hurling and unfurling
   On the night when comes thy call;
That compassion dew thy pillow
   And bedrench thy senses all
      For thy victims,
   Till death dark thee with his pall."

August 1915.