I am resolved to live
as one
in the dawn of my own epic.
Whilst in the shadow of expiration.
And if for truth
this life is,
for me,
not unlike the *Roses,
sprung up amidst nefarious weeds.
Forgoing longevity
for righteousness sake.
Imploring virtue.
Denouncing our unmitigated shame,
with chords plucked to strain.
My duty?
Un-compromised.
My purpose?
Undeterred.
And even
pressed upon the rack,
compelled
to speak the truth,
unflinching.
Though round me
darkened minions bind,
dole many stripes to bleed,
find these crosses to bear
if my soul
declares the need,
then,
let it be.
Lest dearth of mercy
convict,
to compassion's duties,
found derelict,
and thus,
condemn the spirit to perish:
as did our principles;
as did our neighbours,
thereafter.
For we cannot be worse
for better.
We cannot heap curse
and thrive.
If ever the nation flourish,
if ever the dream survive!
* A reference to the White Rose, a non-violent group based in Munich, Germany, who conducted a leaflet campaign critical of Nazism, from 1942-1943.
Several of its members were subsequently arrested, imprisoned, or executed.
as one
in the dawn of my own epic.
Whilst in the shadow of expiration.
And if for truth
this life is,
for me,
not unlike the *Roses,
sprung up amidst nefarious weeds.
Forgoing longevity
for righteousness sake.
Imploring virtue.
Denouncing our unmitigated shame,
with chords plucked to strain.
My duty?
Un-compromised.
My purpose?
Undeterred.
And even
pressed upon the rack,
compelled
to speak the truth,
unflinching.
Though round me
darkened minions bind,
dole many stripes to bleed,
find these crosses to bear
if my soul
declares the need,
then,
let it be.
Lest dearth of mercy
convict,
to compassion's duties,
found derelict,
and thus,
condemn the spirit to perish:
as did our principles;
as did our neighbours,
thereafter.
For we cannot be worse
for better.
We cannot heap curse
and thrive.
If ever the nation flourish,
if ever the dream survive!
* A reference to the White Rose, a non-violent group based in Munich, Germany, who conducted a leaflet campaign critical of Nazism, from 1942-1943.
Several of its members were subsequently arrested, imprisoned, or executed.
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