Friday, June 22, 2007

ANTIOCH COLLEGE:
REQUIESCAT IN PACE

by Earl J. Wilcox


Here lies Antioch College.
Born more than 155 years ago.
Father and Mother to American Liberalism.
Begetter of compassion for all mankind.
Lover and sanctifier of all things hopeful---
African Americans, Gays, Feminists, Scholars,
Poets, Essayists, Literary Critics, Humanity.
Died in an age which forgets so quickly why
Antioch College was born: to save mankind.
Go with a whimper if you must,
Rage, rage against the night if you can.
Rest eternal in the assurance of a job well done.


Earl J. Wilcox founded The Robert Frost Review, which he edited for more than a decade. His poetry was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize.