Page:The Autobiography of a Catholic Anarchist.djvu/47

CHAPTER 3. MARRIAGE—TRAVEL IN 48 STATES 34

"Yes, you are brave. Last week when the cops raided us on Union Square all you big fellows ran away and left me there alone to fight them all. I'm not a pacifist but I think more of this fellow who does what he says than of you big guys who talk brave and run away."

During my second month in solitary in Atlanta in July, 1918 I had written a poem, Hypocrites, and now in November, 1920 THE ONE BIG UNION MONTHLY of the I.W.W. published it:

HYPOCRITES

I wonder if the devil laughs,

And sings a joyful song,

As to "Onward Christian Soldiers,"

"My Country Right or Wrong."

The Christians each other slaughter

And lynch and mob and maim,

All those who will not help to kill

In lowly Jesus' name.

I wonder if the devil laughs,

And if his joy's increased,

To see the god of gold worshiped

By preacher and by priest;

Who teach contentment with your lot—

Unless you run the game—

And wink at sin and grab the tin

In lowly Jesus'name.

I wonder if the devil laughs,

And adds oil to his fire,

To make a warm reception for

That saintly son and sire,

Who teach love and the golden rule,

While practicing the same;

By raising rents and burning tents

In lowly Jesus' name.

I wonder if the devil laughs,

Or if he sheds a tear,