Capital Punishment
If I had as much power as a King,
I would not believe in capital punishment of men.
If I were happy as the happiest Queen,
I'de say don't hang that man till you know what it will mean.
There sits his wife at home today,
Just she and her little baby to stay.
Who cares for love no more that She?
Oh! how troubled her heart must be.
She had rather know he was dead,
Than to be in prison She once said.
But when he was gone she was troubled more,
Not knowing where his soul might go.
As his wife was sitting with the baby on her knee,
She begin crying and said dear we
don't know where he may be.
But we will follow the steps of our guide,
Someday we will be taken to his side.
The woman prayed to God, and this is what she said.
I hope it won't be long before I am dead.
Down here to the mercy of the the world
No one to love but our little girl.
Geneva E. Ryals
September 30, 1935
©1935
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