“The Declaration of Independence” and “Resistance to Civil Government” Bring Peace and War
The mildness of a Ghandi turns to thrust
Of violence. The little spinning wheel
Becomes a maelstrom. Prejudices combust
The whole subcontinent. That crank, Thoreau,
Is locked up in the township hoosegow and from
It proceeds the little pamphlet in the tones
Of pale vanilla thoughts. From them will come
Destruction of the British Empire, groans
For freedom in the Southland, and a King
Of preachers. True, he will be slaughtered yet
Triumphant. Just two documents will bring
The plate tectonic force that will beget
Prim protests and the power to disarm
The potentates. Both good and bad will harm.
~ Phillip Whidden