Attila Stockbroker

 

Radio 4 asked me to write a poem in honour of Bob Crow for their obit programme, so I did.  I could sense the dilemma in the producer’s voice: he liked the poem, but I knew he was worried, I knew they wouldn’t run it, and they’re not.  It’s not the first time that has happened to me.

Funny how ‘balance’ is always a problem for the BBC, but not the Tory press.  Democracy, eh?

If you like it, SHARE it!  Let see if we can get it to reach more people than if it WAS on Radio 4!

BOB CROW

There was a man who held his ground.

Fought every inch, and won the day.

His legacy, his members’ lot:

Good work conditions, decent pay.

By Tories and their tabloid dupes

And those who seek more than their share

Just like Millwall, his favourite team,

He wasn’t liked, and didn’t care.

————————————-

But those who worked in transport knew

Their leader stood right by their side.

No management could lay them low:

They wore their union badge with pride.

He spoke for passengers as well:

Safety, not profit, always first.

Opposing fatal funding cuts –

Paddington, Potters Bar the worst.

————————————-

Bob Crow.  A boxer’s grandson, he:

Led with the left and packed a punch.

The bosses knew he’d take them on:

No smarmy smile, no cosy lunch.

We need more like him, that’s for sure:

Upfront and honest to the last.

He bargained hard and kept his word.

A union leader unsurpassed.

————————————–

As zero hours contracts grow

And bosses offer Hobson’s choice

Let us not mourn, but organize:

Get off our knees and find our voice!

This man worked hard for workers’ rights:

A fair wage, a safe, steady job.

So join a union and stand firm.

That’s the best way to honour Bob.