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 childrens'
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.?