Apathy is such an old concept

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

(Original post: Saturday, November 10, 2007 7:53 AM)

My grandmother, Florence Burlingame Taylor, was a gifted writer, and poetess. Poetry was popular back in the old days and Gramma was never without poetic thoughts on hundreds of subjects.

But her poetry that means the most to me are the sometimes angry and often soothing rhymes about her soldiers off fighting the German and Japanese war machines in World War II. Her poem "Apathy" could have been written today.

Gram was one of those women in the 40's who left the home to go and work in the factory to help with the war effort. She was one of the most sincere patriots I ever knew and it shows in her poetry.

I know Gr T would be pleased to know that I am sharing some of her poetry with you. (If you want to read more, Gram is published at http://www.rufusputnam.com/byways/poems.html).

God Bless our Troops!!

	"Apathy - 11/11/43"
	Pearl Harbor is slipping too far out of sight In the softening mists of time; The cries of the innocent at Lidice Fall on dull ears - accustomed to crime. We're smug, with our jobs, and a fat pocket- book, Home cooking and fireside ease; The freedom to go to a game or a show, Or to do just about as we please.
	While our boys were dying in strange Sicily, I witnessed - with burning shame Some husky young men in a perky war plant Camouflaging a poker game. A woman - without any hostage to give - Was decrying a pay check too lean, And threatened to make all her drill pieces scrap' Til they'd give her a lighter machine.
	Yes, freedom for all has always been bought By a few - in this land of the free; But DON'T LET OUR PRECIOUS BOYS BE CRUCIFICIED ON THE CROSS OF OUR OWN APATHY

Florence B. Taylor
11/11/43