With apologies to Joe Hill (a poem)

By Bob Boldt

This is my latest poem, my latest attempt to express my outrage at our treatment of the greatest journalist, certainly the bravest journalist who ever drew breath. Of course, the horrific torture of Julian Assange represents not just a crime against one man but an attempt to silence all journalists and publishers and put an end to the troublesome First Amendment as well.
    My inspirations for this poem were John Steinbeck’s eulogy for Sam Jode in his novel, The Grapes of Wrath, and the folk song “Joe Hill”:

Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. If Casy knowed, why, I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad an’—I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry n’ they know supper’s ready. An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build—why, I’ll be there.
        —John Steinbeck, from The Grapes of Wrath

    “Joe Hill” is also known as “I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night.” It was named after labor activist Joe Hill. It was originally written as a poem by Alfred Hayes and composed into music by Earl Robinson in 1936:

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I “But Joe, you’re ten years dead”
“I never died” says he,
“I never died” says he.

“In Salt Lake City, Joe,” says I,
Him standing by my bed,
“They framed you on a murder charge,”
Says Joe, “But I ain’t dead,”
Says Joe, “But I ain’t dead.”

“The Copper Bosses killed you Joe,
they shot you Joe” says I.
“Takes more than guns to kill a man”
Says Joe “I didn’t die”
Says Joe “I didn’t die”

And standing there as big as life
and smiling with his eyes.
Says Joe “What they can never kill
went on to organize,
went on to organize”

From San Diego up to Maine,
in every mine and mill,
Where workers strike and organize
it’s there you’ll find Joe Hill,
it’s there you’ll find Joe Hill!

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I “But Joe, you’re ten years dead”
“I never died” says he,
“I never died” says he.
“I never died” says he.

With apologies to Joe Hill

I dreamt I saw you late last night
As free as you can be.
Julian, I said they'll have your head.

Do not sweat said he.
Do not sweat said he.

Wherever men and women seek the right
I will bring them light.
When lying liars spread their crimes
I will print their names.

When the Press gives up its rights
And tries to hide their shame
History will remind them with two words:
Julian Assange, my name.

Copyright © 2023 by Bob Boldt