The free verse
poem below has taken on a life of its own. The original version is attributed
to Martin Niemöller,
but there are many, many different variations on
his theme. There are variations by Niemöller within
his own speeches, and variations
by others, myself included, who have
substituted words to fit the occasion while
maintaining Niemöller's original
principle.
THEY CAME
First they came for the Jews,
but I didn't speak out because I wasn't a
Jew.
Then they came for the handicapped,
but I didn't speak out because I
wasn't handicapped.
Then they came for the redheads,
but I didn't speak out because I wasn't
offended.
Then they came for the old people,
but I didn't speak out because I wasn't
old.
Then they came for the babies,
but I didn't speak out because I had none.
Then came for the Church,
but I didn't speak out because it wasn't
my church.
Then they came for me,
but there was no one left to speak out for
me.
And the King shall
answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto
me.
Matt 25: 40