And the children of Birmingham
Walked into the story
Of Grandma’s pointed teeth
(“Better to love you with”)
Reasonable citizens
Rose to exhort them all:
“Return at once to schools of friendship.
Buy in stores of love and law.”
(And tales were told
Of man’s best friend, the Law.)
And the children of Birmingham
Walked in the shadow Of Grandma’s devil
Smack up against
The singing wall.
Fire and water
Poured over everyone:
“Hymns were extreme,
So there could be no pardon!”
And old Grandma
Began the lesson
Of everybody’s skin,
Everybody’s fun:
“Liberty may bite
An irresponsible race
Forever singing,”
Grandma said,
“Forever making love:
Look at all the children!”
(And tales were told
Of man’s best friend, the Law.)
And the children of Birmingham
Walked into the fury Of Grandma’s hug:
Her friendly cells
(“Better to love you with.”)
Her friendly officers
And “dooms of love.”
Laws had a very long day
And all were weary.
But what the children did that time
Gave their town
A name to be remembered!
(And tales were told
Of man’s best friend, the Law.)