Anthem Poem by Leonard Cohen

Thanks to Dr. Fab, the full text of this fantastic poem is there. Just quoting 7 lines is nowhere nearly enough. This reminds me to play my DVD 'Leonard Cohen Live in London' when I get home. Thanks Dr. fab.

............very nice, I love the first stanza ★

FULL TEXT: ''Anthem'' The birds they sang at the break of day Start again I heard them say Don't dwell on what has passed away or what is yet to be. Ah the wars they will be fought again The holy dove She will be caught again bought and sold and bought again the dove is never free. Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack in everything That's how the light gets in. We asked for signs the signs were sent: the birth betrayed the marriage spent Yeah the widowhood of every government - signs for all to see. I can't run no more with that lawless crowd while the killers in high places say their prayers out loud. But they've summoned, they've summoned up a thundercloud and they're going to hear from me. Ring the bells that still can ring... You can add up the parts but you won't have the sum You can strike up the march, there is no drum Every heart, every heart to love will come but like a refugee. Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That's how the light gets in. Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That's how the light gets in. That's how the light gets in. That's how the light gets in.

Another song on my DVD ' Leonard Cohen Live in London'. A standout song, works equally well as a poem. Some verses missing.

What a thoughtful poem Short and sharp. Uday Balakrishnan