Rev. Joseph G. Bryant, “Wounded Liberty” (1906)
True liberty, in this good land;”
A mystic voice came with the tide,
“True liberty, to some denied;”
Then knew the world the nation lied.
Oh! Look with care and vision clear,
From Cascade Mountain side, there where
The billows of Pacific roll,
Atlantic, too, with the highest goal
Of promises without a soul.
Behold dark men! Long in distress,
All bruised, deep scarred, and trodden down;
Shall coming years bring them no cheer?
Speak justice, and ye men give ear–
Columbia, the sentence hear!
Where is the hope the Nation gave,
Which decked with grace the Negro’s life?
O goddess fair! Bright were thy beams,
Which often helped us o’er the streams,
Regardless of what were our dreams.
Enfeebled Nymph, fast goes thy strength!
Thy life’s blood flows from wounds received
Officially from th’ Nation’s head,
Who willingly was blindfold led
To strike and wound they sacred head.
Published in Colored American Magazine, December 1906