Based on the old Christian hymn, “As With Gladness Men of Old”
(public domain) by William Chatterton Dix
Using science, men of old
Did the stars and skies behold.
Curiously they sought its light
Leading onward, beaming bright.
So with utmost confidence
Do we now seek evidence.
Using wisdom, women too
Sought guidance from knowledge new.
And with determination
They fought discrimination.
An enlightened world their goal,
Equity for every soul.
Their progress was hard not swift,
Our improving world their gift.
So may we use common sense,
Cast aside our ignorance.
All our greatest knowledge share,
Claim their legacy we dare.
So humanity at last
Leaves behind its narrow past.
Gender and sexuality,
Rights and self-autonomy.
New critical thinking thrives
And compassion in our lives.
In our scientific age
Need we no dogmatic rage.
Learning from both the sea and sky
We evolve when’er we try.
So forever may we strive
Give our world a better life.
© 2021 Geoff Allshorn