Freedom (for Attica)

Better far, from all I see
To die fighting to be free.
What more fitting end could be?

Better surely than in some bed
Where in broken health, I'm led
Lingering until I'm dead.

Better than with prayers and pleas
Or in the clutch of some disease
Wasting slowly by degrees.

Better than a heart attack
Or some dose of drug I lack.
Let me die by being Black.

Better far, that I should go;
Standing here against the foe
Is the sweeter death to know.

Better than the bloody stain
On some highway where I'm lain
Torn by flying glass and pane.

Better calling death to come
Than to die another dumb,
Muted victim in the slum.

Better than of this prison rot;
If there's any choice I've got
Kill me here on the spot.

Better far, my fight to wage
Now, while my blood boils with rage
Lest it cool with ancient age.

Better violent for us to die
Than to Uncle Tom and try
Making peace just to live a lie.

Better now that I say my sooth;
I'm going to die demanding Truth
While I'm still akin to youth.

Better now than later on
Now that fear of death is gone;
Never mind another dawn.

Truth

The face of Truth is open,
The eyes of Truth are bright,
The lips of Truth are ever closed,
The head of Truth is upright.

The breast of Truth stands forward,
The gaze of Truth is straight,
Truth has neither fear nor doubt,
Truth has patience to wait.

The words of Truth are touching,
The voice of Truth is deep,
The law of Truth is simple:
All you sow, you reap.

The soul of Truth is flaming,
The heart of Truth is warm,
The mind of Truth is clear,
And firm through rain and storm.

Facts are only its shadow,
Truth stands above all sin;
Great be the battle of life,
Truth in the end shall win.

The image of Truth is the Cross,
Wisdom's message is its rod;
The sign of Truth is Christ,
And the soul of Truth is God.

Life of Truth is eternal,
Immortal is its past,
Power of Truth shall endure,
Truth shall hold to the last.