Julian Tuwim

Here you will find thePoemThe Common Manof poet Julian Tuwim

The Common Man

When plastered billboards scream with slogans 'fight for your country, go to battle' When media's print assults your senses, 'Support our leaders' shrieks and rattles... And fools who don't know any better Believe the old, eternal lie That we must march and shoot and kill Murder, and burn, and bomb, and grill... When press begins the battle-cry That nation needs to unify And for your country you must die... Dear brainwashed friend, my neighbor dear Brother from this, or other nation Know that the cries of anger, fear, Are nothing but manipulation by fat-cats, kings who covet riches, And feed off your sweat and blood - the leeches! When call to arms engulfs the land It means that somewhere oil was found, Shooting 'blackgold' from underground! It means they found a sneaky way To make more money, grab more gold But this is not what you are told! Don't spill your blood for bucks or oil Break, burn your rifle, shout: 'NO DEAL!' Let the rich scoundrels, kings, and bankers Send their own children to get killed! May your loud voice be amplified By roar of other common men The battle-weary of all nations: WE WON'T BE CONNED TO WAR AGAIN!