Union Songs
Little Ballad For Americans
A poem by Edwin Rolfe©Edwin Rolfe 1954
Brother, brother, best avoid your workmate-
Words planted in affection can spout a field of hate.Housewife, housewife, never trust your neighbor-
A chance remark may boomerang to five years at hard labor.Student, student, keep mouth shut and brain spry-
Your best friend Dick Meriwell's employed by the F.B.I.Lady, lady, make you phone calls frugal-
The chief of all Inquisitors has ruled the wire-tap legal.Daughter, daughter, learn soon your heart to harden-
They've planted stoolies everywhere; why not in kindergarten?Lovers, lovers, be careful when you're wed-
The wire-tap grows in the living room, in auto, and in bed.Give full allegiance only to circuses and bread;
No person's really trustworthy until he's dead.
Notes
This poem was by Edwin Rolfe during the McCarthy period.
union songs..........a selection by mark gregory