LIBERAL: HIP, HIP, HOORAY!

“You Liberal,” he sneered.

Suddenly I am tall,

For by my side they come

From far fields, distant climes:

Thomas Jefferson, author

Of the Declaration of Independence;

Thomas Paine, firebrand of freedom;

Madison, supporter of the Bill of Rights;

LaFayette, the French sophisticate;

Garibaldi, Bolivar, Father Hidalgo.

Oh, am I ever taller now.

There’s honest Abe, hand-in-hand

With Frederick Douglas, talking.

Here’s Teddy Roosevelt, glasses shining

And staying that axe from our trees.

How proud I am for these

And for F.D.R. and for social change

To come stand by my side.

“Liberal!” I gleefully shout

Plunging on, renewed in strength.

“Bring on your regressive thoughts.

For now I am truly ready.

A liberal, yes, a true liberal,

Finally a liberal, a liberal.

Hip, Hip, Hooray!”