Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/563

 December 31st

(Contemporary English poet)

What is he hammering there, That devil swinking in Hell? Oh, he forges a cunning New Year, God knows he does it well.

Mill and harrow and rake, A restless enginery Of men and women to make Cruelty, Harlotry.

Sisters of the Cross of Shame

(See page 531)

The Sisters of the Cross of Shame, They smile along the night; Their houses stand with shuttered souls And painted eyes of light.

Their houses look with scarlet eyes Upon a world of sin; And every man cries, "Woe, alas!" And every man goes in.

The sober Senate meets at noon, To pass the Woman's Law, The portly Churchmen vote to stem The torrent with a straw.