"Backbone"

I found this poem in a book from the WSU library called "Poems of Free Thought" compiled by James L. York in 1882, and thought I'd share -- it's as true today as it was then!

"Backbone"

When you see a fellow mortal
Without fixed and fearless views,
Hanging on the skirts of others,
Walking in their cast-off shoes,
Bowing low to wealth or favor,
With abject, uncovered head,
Ready to retract or waiver,
Willing to be drove or led;
Walk yourself with firmer bearing,
Throw your moral shoulders back,
Show your spine has nerve and marrow --
just the things which his most lack.

A stronger word
was never heard
In sense and tone
Than this -- backbone.

When you see a theologian
Hugging close some ugly creed,
Fearing to reject or question
Dogmas which his priest may read;
Holding back all noble feeling,
Choking down each manly view,
Caring more for forms and symbols
Thn to know the good and true;
Walk yourself with firmer bearing,
Throw your moral shoulders back,
Show your spine has nerve and marrow --
just the things which his most lack.

A stronger word
was never heard
In sense and tone
Than this -- backbone.

When you see a politician
Crawling through contracted holes,
Begging for some fat position,
In the ring or at the polls;
With no sterling manhood in him,
Nothing stable, broad or sound,
Destitute of pluck or ballast,
Double sided all around;
Walk yourself with firmer bearing,
Throw your moral shoulders back,
Show your spine has nerve and marrow --
just the things which his most lack.

A stronger word
was never heard
In sense and tone
Than this -- backbone.

A modest song and plainly told --
The text is worth a mine of gold,
For many men most sadly lack
A noble stiffness in the back.