Freedom's enemy is yours, and, yes, he is mine,
Although at your home he may first call to shine,
For if he removes you from the ranks of the free,
Who or what can stay his coming for me?
As the cleric pondered from his prison cell,
Over the rises and fury of the Nazi hell.
"They came for my brothers Jacob and Sam,
But I was no descendent of Abraham."
"I am sorry for them, but can't you see
That all other Germans are preciously free?"
Shall we not let this blessing prevail?
Why risk our lives and threats of jail?"
When Nazis stormed the Union Hall
And arrested the President, Herman Ball.
"Yes, I am distressed by this labor ban;
But remember, I am no union man.
"As we look and we see
Plenty of people still happy and free.
Cursed by the Nazis some surely will fall,
But this does not apply to us all."
Then one day the rectory bell rang,
Loudly and shrilly for Father Lang.
"For all the Catholics this is so ominous.
How can any now feel autonomous.
"Yes, the editors and teachers of renown.
And finally the Protestants on whom Nazis frown.
There are none left to cry for the free;
I see from the beginning they were coming for me."