Re-Affirmation

 I am downhearted not, although it seems The new birth is abortive in the West, And men are turning from long-cherished dreams ​Of world-wide freedom to ignoble rest.

I am discouraged not, although the foe— Shameless, like boars disporting in the mud Of their foul fen where nothing fair can grow— ​Wallow obscenely in the workers' blood.

I am despairing not, though in our ranks, Hard-pressed and weak, are fools and fops and knaves, Who with their selfish aims and wanton pranks Would sell the Cause to be contented slaves.

What though I see the trusted and the tried For many a year turn traitor at the last, go over to the seeming stronger side!— ​My heart feels sick, but I am not downcast.

The babe bursts from the mother's womb in pain The night is darkest just before the dawn, The heavens turn black to bless the earth with rain, ​I am disheartened not, I will keep on.