Thomas Maccracken

New commandments I give to you, Spoon River,
Out of the wisdom of living:
Thou shalt make graven images of all beautiful things;
Thou shalt take the name of God in vain,
For by unanswered prayers shall you be lifted up;
Thou shalt labor every day in the week,
Even as thy heart rests not;
Thou shalt give life;
Thou shalt love the woman who gives her love to thee,
Or else thou shalt not accept her love;
Thou shalt help to multiply the goods of the community;
Thou shalt tell the truth about thy neighbor,
And about thy enemy.
Thou shalt be free, joyous, tolerant, active.
Thou shalt trust death,
Having trusted and rejoiced in birth!