Union Songs

Dreams

A poem by John Tomlinson©John Tomlinson 2005

Well Telstra reached three dollars,
John Howard lay down and died.
I was tempted, I was tempted
but, I never cried.

The workers got fair wages,
bosses cheered with them.
I was tempted, I was tempted
to celebrate the win.

Refugees were welcomed,
Ruddock let them in,
I was tempted, I was tempted
to celebrate with them.

Aborigines got land justice,
jobs and hope at last
I was tempted, I was tempted
to put racism in the past.

The unemployed got good jobs
throughout this mighty land
I was tempted, I was tempted
to join the merry band.

Single parents and disabled
were given a helping hand.
I was tempted, I was tempted
at last to take a stand.

The homeless all found houses
landlords let them in,
I was tempted, I was tempted
to also welcome them.

When decency and justice
prevailed throughout the land.
I was tempted, I was tempted
to try and understand
why we’d put it off so long
ignoring weak, pampering strong,
why didn’t we right the wrong
including all as we march along.

Notes

Many tanks to John Tomlinson for permission to add this poem to the Union Songs collection

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