Spoon River Anthology - Penn State University
Spoon River Anthology - Penn State University
Spoon River Anthology - Penn State University
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<strong>Spoon</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>Anthology</strong><br />
Tilted upon her saucy head, and fist<br />
Raised in defiance, Daisy Fraser stood.<br />
Headlong she had been hurled from out the hall<br />
Save Wendell Bloyd, who spoke for woman’s rights,<br />
Prevented, and the bellowing voice of Burchard.<br />
Then ,mid applause she hastened toward the stage<br />
And flung both gold and silver to the cause<br />
And swiftly left the hall.<br />
Meantime upstood<br />
A giant figure, bearded like the son<br />
Of Alcmene, deep-chested, round of paunch,<br />
And spoke in thunder: “Over there behold<br />
A man who for the truth withstood his wife—<br />
Such is our spirit—when that A. D. Blood<br />
Compelled me to remove Dom Pedro—”<br />
Quick<br />
Before Jim Brown could finish, Jefferson Howard<br />
Obtained the floor and spake: “Ill suits the time<br />
For clownish words, and trivial is our cause<br />
If naught’s at stake but John Cabanis, wrath,<br />
He who was erstwhile of the other side<br />
And came to us for vengeance. More’s at stake<br />
Than triumph for New England or Virginia.<br />
And whether rum be sold, or for two years<br />
As in the past two years, this town be dry<br />
Matters but little— Oh yes, revenue<br />
For sidewalks, sewers; that is well enough!<br />
I wish to God this fight were now inspired<br />
By other passion than to salve the pride<br />
Of John Cabanis or his daughter.<br />
Why Can never contests of great moment spring<br />
From worthy things, not little? Still, if men<br />
Must always act so, and if rum must be<br />
The symbol and the medium to release<br />
From life’s denial and from slavery,<br />
Then give me rum!”<br />
Exultant cries arose.<br />
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