This Rich Land

Tell me, where is this precious gem?
They call the new Jerusalem -
Like freedoms ease to cast abuse;
A phantom conjured by a muse?

Aliens in this uncaring state
Like pilgrims at the temple's gate.
A paragon killed at birth;
The heathens subject of great mirth.

The strong and rich make earthly claims;
In the poet's mind justice reigns.
The guardians give sparingly
The dispossessed look heavenly.

In a metaphysical state,
The needy learn to conquer hate.
In the land called Albion
People seek days more halcyon.

Where money buys justice and health,
And where all pay homage to wealth,
Let divine providence spare thee,
The fate of unblessed poverty.

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