Hemlock's Wisdom

Athens' gadfly, wisdom's voice Questioning all, youth rejoice Corrupting minds, so they say Put on trial, truth's display In the agora, ideas bloom Now facing an unjust doom Hemlock's wisdom, Socrates' choice Facing betrayal with reason's voice Death before compromise, he stands tall Philosopher's courage enthralls all The unexamined life's not worth living His final lesson, forever giving Apology spoken, no regrets Seeking truth, no matter the threats Accused of impiety, corrupting the young But his teachings have just begun Democracy's dark side revealed As fate of the sage is sealed Hemlock's wisdom, Socrates' choice Facing betrayal with reason's voice Death before compromise, he stands tall Philosopher's courage enthralls all The unexamined life's not worth living His final lesson, forever giving In his cell, disciples weep But Socrates' resolve runs deep Crito's plea to flee ignored Principles cannot be scored Drinking the cup, embracing fate Immortal words that resonate Know thyself, his final decree In death, his mind forever free Betrayed by ignorance and fear Socrates' courage rings clear Question everything, seek the light In the face of power's might Hemlock's wisdom, Socrates' choice Facing betrayal with reason's voice Death before compromise, he stands tall Philosopher's courage enthralls all The unexamined life's not worth living His final lesson, forever giving Hemlock's wisdom, forever flows In every questioner who knows That truth and virtue conquer all Even as empires rise and fall Socrates died, but ideas live on His courage guides us until dawn