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."