1896 (Cry Freedom)

Aurello s. Alvero

The cry awoke balintawak

And the echoes answered back; “FREEDOM!”

All the four winds listened long,

To the shrieking of that song.

Every poet struck his lyre,

With those burning notes on fire.

All the women knelt to pray,

In their hearts that frenzied lay.

Even the children and the old,

Took to arms and chouted bold, “FREEDOM”

I heard it from the planets in the vales,

I heard it from the traders tying bales,

I heard it where the fishers strike their sale

I he3ard it where the hukers ‘neath the trees,

I heard it from the divers of the seas,

I heard it from the pounders in the leas.

All the people raised the cry,

Fearing not to bleed or die,

All the tombs of slave & sire,

Broke to voice that great desire.

Up the mountain, down the plain

Louder, louder rang the strain..”FREEDOM!”

I heard it from the makes of the brooms,

I heard it from the weavers at their looms,

I head it in the farthest islet shore.

We heard it, and shall hear it ever

more.. “FREEDOM!”