The Atom

The Atom
By Thomas Thornely

"We do not in the least know how to harness the energy locked up in the atoms of matter. If it could be liberated at will, we would experience a violence beside which the suddenness of high explosive is gentle and leisurely." Sir O.Lodge

Wake not the imprisoned power that sleeps
Unknown, or dimly guessed, in thee!
Thine awful secret Nature keeps,
And pales, when stealthy science creeps
Towards that beleaguered mystery.

Well may she start and desperate strain,
To thrust the bold besiegers back;
If they that citadel should gain,
What grisly shapes of death and pain
May rise and follow in their track!

The power that warring atoms yield,
Man has to guiltiest purpose turned.
Too soon the wonder was revealed,
Earth flames in one red battle-field;
Could but that lesson be unlearned!

Thy last dread secret, Nature! keep;
Add not to man's tumultuous woes;
Till war and hate are laid to sleep,
Keep those grim forces buried deep,
That in thine atoms still repose.


~Badger