Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/557

 A Ballad of Dead Girls

(American poet, born 1888)

Scarce had they brought the bodies down Across the withered floor, Than Max Rogosky thundered at The District Leader's door.

Scarce had the white-lipped mothers come To search the fearful noon, Than little Max stood shivering In Tom McTodd's saloon!

In Tom McTodd's saloon he stood, Beside the silver bar, Where any honest lad may stand, And sell his vote at par.

"Ten years I've paid the System's tax," The words fell, quivering, raw; "And now I want the thing I bought— Protection from the law!"

The Leader smiled a twisted smile: "Your doors were locked," he said. "You've overstepped the limit, Max— A hundred women  dead!"

Then Max Rogosky gripped the bar And shivered where he stood. "You listen now to me," he cried, "Like business fellers should!