Towards Democracy
Have Faith 4

I saw deep in the eyes of the animals the human soul look out upon me.

I saw deep in the eyes of the animals the human soul look out upon me. I saw where it was born deep down under feathers and fur, or condemned for awhile to roam fourfooted among the brambles.

I saw deep in the eyes of the animals the human soul look out upon me. I caught the clinging mute glance of the prisoner, and swore that I would be faithful.

Thee my brother and sister I see and mistake not. Do not be afraid. Dwelling thus and thus for a while, fulfilling thy appointed time--thou too shalt come to thyself at last.

Thy half-warm horns and long tongue lapping round my wrist do not conceal thy humanity any more than the learned talk of the pedant conceals his--for all thou art dumb we have words and plenty between us.

Come nigh little bird with your half-stretched quivering wings-within you I behold choirs of angels, and the Lord himself in vista.

Crooning and content the old hen sits--her thirteen chicks cheep cheerily round her, or nestle peeping out like little buds from under her wings;

Keen and motherly is her eye, placid and joyful her heart, as the sun shines warm upon them.

Edward Carpenter was an English utopian socialist, poet, philosopher, anthologist, an early activist for gay rights and prison reform whilst advocating vegetarianism and taking a stance against vivisection. As a philosopher, he was particularly known for his publication of Civilisation: Its Cause and Cure. Wikipedia
Born: August 29, 1844, Hove, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
Died: June 28, 1929, Guildford, United Kingdom