By Dan Berrigan

When the Spirit struck us free
We could scarcely believe it
For very joy. Were we free
Were we wrapt
In a dream of freedom?
Our mouths filled with laughter
Our tongues with pure joy.

The oppressors were awestruck; What marvels
The Lord works for them!
Like a torrent in flood
Our people streamed out.
Locks, bars, gulags, ghettoes, cages cuffs
A nightmare scattered.

We trod the long furrow
Half drunk with joy
Staggering, the golden
Sheaves in our arms.