Like Dives in the deeps of Hell <br />I cannot break this fearful spell, <br />Nor quench the fires I've madly nursed, <br />Nor cool this dreadful raging thirst. <br />Take back your pledge--ye come too late! <br />Ye cannot save me from my fate, <br />Nor bring me back departed joys; <br />But ye can try to save the boys. <br /> <br />Ye bid me break my fiery chain, <br />Arise and be a man again, <br />When every street with snares is spread, <br />And nets of sin where'er I tread. <br />No; I must reap as I did sow. <br />The seeds of sin bring crops of woe; <br />But with my latest breath I'll crave <br />That ye will try the boys to save. <br /> <br />These bloodshot eyes were once so bright; <br />This sin-crushed heart was glad and light; <br />But by the wine-cup's ruddy glow <br />I traced a path to shame and woe. <br />A captive to my galling chain, <br />I've tried to rise, but tried in vain - <br />The cup allures and then destroys. <br />Oh! from its thraldom save the boys. <br /> <br />Take from your streets those traps of hell <br />Into whose gilded snares I fell. <br />Oh! freemen, from these foul decoys <br />Arise, and vote to save the boys. <br />Oh ye who license men to trade <br />In draughts that charm and then degrade, <br />Before ye hear the cry, Too late, <br />Oh, save the boys from my sad fate.<br /><br />Frances Ellen Watkins Harper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/save-the-boys/
