Occupy Sheffield ~ We are the 99%

Update: Ruth will be singing the ballad at around 1pm on Friday 10th November at the camp.

Ruth, The Bard of Broomhill, has written the following ballad for Occupy Sheffield following a visit to the camp:

THE BALLAD OF OCCUPY SHEFFIELD

(tune: “The Gallant Frigate Amphitrite”)

On a cold November morning, when rain was in the air
I spied some tents at the Cathedral, which allowed some sanctuary there
I went and viewed the people around the tents so near
And asked them why they stood there, they said, “We are for all others here.”

I seemed that they were good as their word, for the hungry there were fed
The dispossessed were listened to, and given soup and bread
There were lots of events there advertised, a cycle repair class planned
A work surgery, a candle display, for all who live in this land

But more than that, the ordinary folk would come to express their cares
For the naked greed of their rulers had caught them unawares
For some of them the problems were all about employment
And others lack of solvency had robbed them of life’s enjoyment

The common folk of this country all had their chance to speak
And these were not the disabled, the idle or the weak
For our land is faring very ill, good times are from us gone
And the tent people are asking: now which side are you on?

Ruth Grimsley 9th November 2011