Southward 1945
Scream of steam and iron whine Free him from winter's frozen clutches, Shoot him into a future showering Flower and fruit, the sun's bright riches, Rattle him out Of the rigid north From biting winds and words that he Had learned to take for granted.
Apple, cherry, almond, pear, Foam upon rolling curves of green. With greedy eyes he guzzles each And every dappled passing scene.
. Nouveau riche In the sun's bright bounty, Parvenu planted in plenty, how Can he take this for granted ? Sun demands no heartbreak fee For lavish !about of light and heat.
Old news this, but gawkily
He stands and stares where the seasons meet
And merge and mask Themselves with the rainbow.
No one here, rich or poor,
But takes it all for granted.
Scraps of letters scrawled in pain From shattered city, ripped plain, Persuade him that another sun May rise to zenith and remain, Reason its radiance, Unity its warmth, Till at length and at last we all may Take its wealth for granted.
Doors may then lie open and Men walk easy in the sun, Stretch their arms and never fear The dull grenade, the grinning gun, Wear smiles neither Forced nor frozen, Move like aristocrats among their riches, Taking it all for granted.
LAIN HAMILTON
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