The Poet: John Jefferson, “Wounded But Not Slain”

“Wounded But Not Slain”

“I am wounded but I am not slain.

I’m bruised and faint they say…

I shall lay me down and bleed a while,

then I shall rise and fight again.

Just let me lie and bleed awhile;

I’ll not be long this way.

My Spirit’s low and my eyes flow.

My heart is sad and sore;

But when my pen’ent tears are gone,

I’ll stand and fight some more.

I’ll bind these wounds; I’ll dry these tears;

I’ll close this bleeding vein;

I’ll not lie here and weep and die:

I’ll rise and fight again.

‘Twas yesterday I bowed so low,

Was weak from tears and pain;

Today I’m strong; my fears are gone;

Today I fight again.”

- John Jefferson