Lyrics

The lifted lamp is guttering,
near spent its fuel.
Double-barred the golden door
which, when it opens,
opens on a chain.
Where throngs poured through,
police interrogate each refugee:
admitting but the few
who pass security
and kiss the Book.

Would Juarez get a visa
from the State Department?
Would the FBI clear Dvorak?
- Deport the New World Symphony!
Marti, the Cuban foe of Imperialism?
Lorca, the anti-fascist poet?
These men were all subversive
as in earlier times
Tom Payne, Pulaski, Lafayette.
The authorities would surely
bar such undesirables.