Song of the Killing of Liars

My hands have grown strong Wanting to clutch throats. I have looked about me, Love, And you are the only one I do not want to kill. They tried to kill me When I was young and helpless: They almost did for me, And I cannot forgive them. Whom shall I choke first?— The minister who told me a piece of bread Was Christ’s body to be chewed weepingly? Or my father who nearly frightened me to death Because I dreamed about a girl? Then there is my old teacher Who made me write five hundred times, “A man’s first duty is to his flag.” Liars! First I will insult them And strip them naked of their lies: Then I will choke them dead, And burn their institutions. There will be nothing left But the clean earth and some children— Our child, Love, and a child for it to mate with. The air they breathe will be pure For the lies will be all dead.