I Believe

It’s my belief that every man

   Should do his share of work,

And in our economic plan

   No citizen should shirk.

That in return each one should get

   His meed of fold and food,

And feel that all his toil and sweat

   Is for the common good.

It’s my belief that every chap

   Should have an equal start,

And there should be no handicap

   To hinder his depart;

That there be fairness in the fight,

   And justice in the race,

And every lad should have the right

   To win his proper place.

It’s my belief that people should

   Be neither rich nor poor;

That none should suffer servitude,

   And all should be secure.

That wealth is loot, and rank is rot,

   And foul is class and clan;

That to succeed a man may not

   Exploit his brother man.

It’s my belief that heritage

   And usury are wrong;

That each should win a worthy wage

   And sing an honest song ....

Not one like this — for though I rue

   The wrong of life, I flout it.

Alas! I’m not prepared to do

   A goddam thing about it.

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