Hilda

Now pretty librarian Hilda did frown,
In public school West of Heather Town;
At report from teachers widespread,
That Christmas caroling in schools was dead.

"Why not have such godly renditions"?
Vexed Hilda, ignoring sensitive conditions;
Of those who desire religion in church and home;
And not by State's decree intone.

"But we do not pray or sing at home,"
Cried Hilda as throughout the halls she did roam.
"If schools would give some Godly instruction,
Parents and society would have some protection."

"But whose religion should we teach?"
Protested those few within her reach.
"What the majority want should be the test",
Replied Hilda as she prepared to rest.

"Of qualities of character let us sing,
Which school prayers would surely bring",
Marked Hilda's final majestic fire;
Not pausing to heed a warning dire.

Of how Nazi children's' heads solemnly bowed,
In the schools of Berlin with prayers avowed;
And proclaimed in schools of the public plan,
Prayers and scriptures intoned by the Klu Klux Klan.

Then scanning her mail in stark dismay,
Hilda anguished and wept in shocked dismay;
Three books she hailed in sponsorship,
Were now on the list of censorship.

"How can I enliven the minds of youth
With qualities and values inspired by truth,
If I cannot provide for them to read,
The treasures germane to human need?"

"Does nobody care when liberty is caged?"
Lamented the distraught Hilda outraged.
Well, not when the hurt is felt by so few,
But wha, wha, what about the A.C.L.U.?