Joshua Henry Jones, Jr., "They've Lynched a Man in Dixie" (1919)
They've lynched a man in Dixie.
Oh God, behold the crime.
And 'midst the mad mob's howling
How sweet the church bells chime.
They've lynched a man in Dixie.
You say this cannot be?
See where his lead-torn body
Mute hangs from yonder tree.
They've soiled the soul of Dixie.
They've steeped her heart in guilt.
Long ages will remember
This shame her people built.
Blind, bestial, brutal murder
To sate some selfish claim!
Is this the land of freedom?
For this doth Justice aim?
They've sent a soul to judgment.
God! yet they say they're good.
They strive to save the heathens
Yet thirst for human blood.
Must life be held so lightly
Which dares some right to claim?
Which asks Christ's human living;
Must they that body maim?
Where is the heart of Christians
When brute force rules the band?
Is there no fairness in you
Oh, this my native land?
They've lynched a man in Dixie.
Dear God, look down and see
Where men feed lusts and hatreds
And shame fair Liberty.
Where is the dream of Justice
For which our souls we give?
If man beneath we trample
Because he seeks to live?
Look to the Cross, oh people.
Once raised on Calvary.
Bleed heart, for pain and sorrow
But brothers let us be.
Published in The Heart of the World (1919)