no fresh republic

if there had been no difference in the slope

and none had noticed on the lonely climb

no fresh republic would have built on hope

 

for boy and girl to dream they might elope

to a fresh place and start a kinder time

if there had been a difference in the slope

 

where they had fallen beyond reach of rope

observing all the changes in the grime

no fresh republic would have built on hope

 

that combination of hard work and soap

which challenges the past as one long crime

if there had been no difference in the slope

 

no reason for the wretched fool to grope

into those matters which had passed their prime

no fresh republic would have built on hope

 

for those who wished to find a way to cope

and rise perhaps towards the heart sublime

if there had been no difference in the slope

no fresh republic would have built on hope