“God damn America!” so saith the preacher,
In words that since resound across the years;
As that event of which he seemed beseecher
(As though prophetic seen) today appears.
If thou, indeed, art just, Lord, I contend
Not with thee in thy strict determination;
For I have been of liberty the friend,
Believe Justice might reign throughout the nation.
Another sort of rabble has arisen,
Heavenly Father, that has set aside
Our forefathers’ ideals; commits misprision
Trampling the word of law their faces snide.
The preacher hath decreed, “God damn! God damn!”
Though I was not convinced upon that night,
But if the deeds that I have seen and am
Appalled by, be—the preacher must be (W)right.