Here Comes a Man

By George Bicknell

Here comes a man with one free call;
He shouts aloud nor does he fear
The foolish threat of deafened ear;
Nor does he heed who would enthrall.

Here comes a man with love for men
As pure and broad as boundless space;
He gathers light from every race,
And sheds it on the world again.

His joy is not alone for self;
His life makes gladsome whom he meets
By turning bitter galls to sweets
And shaming every show of pelf.

Here comes a man whose like is rare;
A kindred heart for hearts that bleed;
A refuge in dark hours of need;
A burdened world his greatest care;

His call the call to Love and Faith,
To Love and Faith and Liberty;
But some decry, and some there be
Who say: “A Dream;” “A soulless wraith.”

Yet, though his call be but a dream,
The love he sheds in spreading this
Will give the world much lasting bliss
And purify a Hate-filled stream.

Then hail to him who loves so well!
The Brother of the Poor; the Friend
Of them that labor without end.
And hail the dawn he dares foretell!