Anthem

Pretend you don't see,
that's right - look away
as you pass by her wheelchair
every day.
You with your laptop
and mobile phone
so much in a hurry
on your way home.
Just stop and think
as you rush for the train
and remember this -
she has a brain.

At sixteen she read Tolstoy
and Chekov too,
understood every word.
How about you?
At twenty she starred
in an Ibsen play.
Brought the house down -
"Who's Ibsen?" you say,
as you vacantly stare
through the evening rain.
Remember this -
she has a brain.

She belongs to Mensa
and CND
camped out at Greenham
in '83.
She fought for freedom
in her youth;
said "Ain't I a woman?"
like Sojourner Truth.
Take a deep breath,
look back again
and remember this -
she has a brain.

She had seven children,
strong girls and boys
who lived in a house
full of love and noise.
She taught them to care
for their fellow man
and make a difference
wherever they can.
Look into her eyes
so full of pain
and remember this -
she has a brain.