“First They Came…” then and now.

“First They Came…” by Martin Niemoller.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out.

Because I as not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out.

Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for Jews, and I did not speak out.

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me, and there I was, no one left to speak for me.

This poem viewed from my chair.

First they came for the immigrants, and I did not speak out

because I am not an immigrant.

Then they came for the Chinese, and I did not speak out

because I am not Chinese.

Then they came for the old folks, and I did not speak out

because I am not old.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.