Classic Poem

" Give us this day our daily bread —
Give us our right, " the hungry said.
Walking along the darkening way,
" Give us our daily bread, " we say.

Hark to the tread of the sullen feet,
Marching down the sleety street:
Hunger staggers along the way.
" Give us our bread and work — today! "

Swaying banners overhead —
" Give us this day our daily bread. "
Masses of men and women throng —
Living witness of living wrong.

" Work, not charity! " is the cry.
Is it sincere — I know not, I!
What can I give but some small dole?
But — will that satisfy my soul?

Buffeting through the wind and the rain,
They will pass again and again,
Menacing all who are sleek and fed:
" Give — or we'll take — our daily bread. "

Reads like a story of long ago:
" Driven by want, driven by woe,
Peasants arose and began to slay. "
But it all happened yesterday.

Reads like a tale from some far-off land,
Countries we do not understand,
(Where there will be the devil to pay!)
But — it all happened across the way.