C. Q. D! by John Kendrick Bangs

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 21, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 28.

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“C. Q. D!”

By John Kendrick Bangs

Poem by John Kendrick Bangs. Drawings by J. A. Williams

(In the code of wireless telegraphy the letters C. Q. D. are the signal of distress)

Copyright by Harper’s Weekly; used by permission

Sounding daily on our ears From the haunts of human tears, Human heart-strings wracked with fears Echoing on every side From the ever-rising tide, Crying out for sympathy— “C. Q. D!”

Grinding chance, and human ills; Shattered hope that numbs and kills; Human derelicts are there, Sinking, sinking in despair, Crying out imploringly, “C. Q. D! C. Q. D!”

We are sinking ’neath the wave! Come in charity to save! Come in great humanity, Rescue us in poverty— C. Q. D! C. Q. D!”

“C. Q. D! C. Q. D!” Everywhere we look we see Some one sounding “C. Q. D!” If it happen on the sea Instantly Comes the answer, ringing clear, “We are coming! Never fear. Keep your spirit full of cheer. We are hastening o’er the wave, And will save! Hidden in the misty haze Of the oceanic maze We will find you and extend Helping hand unto the end; Hand to lift you safely o’er Troubled waters to the shore. Keep your spirit undismayed. Let your hearts rest unafraid. We have heard your message clear Flashing through the atmosphere O’er the sea: C. Q. D!”

Women, children, in the crush, Trampled in the awful rush For some bare necessity, Call aloud incessantly, “C. Q. D!”

Here’s a human soul beset In the purlieus of regret; Tangled up, enmeshed within Webs of Sin! Hear his signal! “Come to me! Save me from this beggary— Beggary of soul and heart! I, alas, have lost my chart, And am drifting o’er the sea, Headed straight for slavery— C. Q. D! C. Q. D!!”

If it happen on the land, Where is then the helping hand? From the homes of penury, From the vales of misery, From the lair of pain and grief Comes the pleading for relief— “C. Q. D! C. Q. D! Hasten ye! C. Q. D!”

Round my soul the waters rise, Shutting out the blue of skies; Shutting out the Father’s face In the mazes of disgrace— Hasten ye! C. Q. D!! Leave me not unto this fate! Come before it is too late— Ere a human soul shall sink, Slipping, tripping, on the brink, In the snare Of despair!”

O the signals! O the calls Flashing o’er these City walls! From the Children of Despond To the Helping Hands beyond! Pleading daily for release! Pleading for one taste of peace! Little ones that blindly grope In the hopeless quest of Hope! Pleading for a sure relief From the waves of Sin and Grief! Human vessels one and all Sending out their piteous call— Call to you, and call to me, “C. Q. D! C. Q. D!”

Do we heed them? Do we list To those voices in the mist, On the land? Have we lent the helping hand To our brothers in despair Everywhere— Answering their message clear With the blessed words of cheer— “We are coming, never fear! Hold your courage undismayed! Let your hearts rest unafraid. We are hastening o’er the wave— We will save! We will come in Brotherhood With our life-boats staunch and good, Laden deep with Charity, Answering your C. Q. D!”