Union Songs
Australian wind song
A poem by John Tomlinson©2005 John Tomlinson
My words are written on a westerly wind
if you cannot see them listen to the message I send.We came here as conquerors, when we might have been friends,
as want-to-be emperors - we should make amends.
My words are written on a westerly wind
you’ll know I am speaking when you see the trees bend.The rich and the powerful who control all the wealth
got rich and powerful through corruption and stealth.
An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay
is something despised by rich men today.My words are written on a westerly wind
They’re meant to inform, not meant to offend.And those who arrive without nice shiny visas
are no longer welcomed as migrants or visitors.
Those who find no success in the flash-money rush
are flat-out surviving this dog-eat-dog crush.My words are written on a westerly wind
please read them, or listen, please be my friend;
and let’s fight for justice and peace without end
and dance in the face of the westerly wind.
Notes
Many thanks to John Tomlinson for permission to add this poem to the Union Songs collection.
union songs..........a selection by mark gregory