No!

In the coming zealous battle

     For our city’s purity,

Fight, I pray you, men of wisdom,

     As becomes a people free.

Fight for freedom from the rum-shop,

     Fight for nobler, better lives;

Fight for that which shields your children,

     And your homes and waiting wives.

Well you know the old, old story

     Of the misery caused through drink;

And, knowing, will you suffer?

You are free to act and think.

Cheerful homes and warmer firesides

     Wait you at the close of day,

When no gay, enticing dram-shop

     Drags you from your manful way.

Then how can you, men of reason,

     Bring a curse beside your door?

Nay, you cannot, and be human,

     Is there need to ask you more?

Then, my friend, in the election,

     With God’s blessing on you, go;

Cast your ballot for “no license”,

     With a strong and hearty No!

Oct. 10, ‘92

Pub. in the

Y.M.C.A.

  Record

Read by author at No license rally, Cambridgeport, Dec. 2, ‘92

(The large immigrant population moving into the Cambridge area was coupled with a proposition to eliminate the liquor license requirements.)