The Canadian Statue of Liberty Speaks to the U.S. Draft Dodgers
Milton Acorn
Come to me you ones who are homeless at home
You insulted and sat on, enraged against your lazy wills –
I need two things: – skills and cheap labor
Plus unemployment to enforce the cheap labor:
So get a job and I will pass you; if you can’t get a job, fake one!
But never, never ask for welfare; it is necessary for my system
that some people be completely desperate:
And though the local workers won’t let you get away with that, with
you I have an excuse!
Just keep two things in mind: In this country as in yours we have a
rule of law
For the citizens of The State: And in this country even more
than yours
(Since we have never had a Revolution – the people’s enforcement
of their law)
! THE STATE IS COMPLETELY LAWLESS!
Nevertheless I am generous: I have a rule
In my country you are free to talk, talk, talk all you like about your
rights;
As long as you don’t start acting as if you have rights: –
I have rights! That’s all boys!
Acorn, Milton. “The Canadian Statue of Liberty Speaks to the U.S. Draft Dodgers.” I’ve Tasted My Blood: Poems 1956 to 1968. 1969. Toronto: Steel Rail, 1978. 95-96.
Reprinted with permission from the literary estate of Milton Acorn.