(In memory of and acknowledgement to Pastor Martin Niemöller)
First they installed CCTV in Teignmouth,
To deter vandals and to catch litter louts
And people whose car tax was a day overdue.
I applauded, scoffing at Tony Blair’s dream
Becoming Eric Blair’s nightmare.
What could the law-abiding have to fear?
When they dispersed groups of two or more
Who might be about to cause trouble,
I was enthusiastic,
Being no longer young.
When they came for the addicts, alcoholics and “undesirables”,
I did not speak out,
Because I had left that life behind.
When they came for the sick, the so-called incurables,
I muttered something to myself
But I was not mad enough to receive that treatment.
When they came for the Rotarians and Round-tablers,
I held my peace;
Perhaps uncharitably.
When they came for the Councillors,
I remained silent;
I despised local politics.
Niemöller’s final stanza continues to apply.
31st August 2008
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Well said Don in all respects, not many are in a different category from what your two last lines sum up. Our last stanza too will continue to apply. A fitting tribute.