They came in their tens of thousands
voices raised against austerity
men and women, young and old
students and school children.
Able bodied and less able bodied
some in wheelchairs others with sticks,
nurses and cleaners, engineers and labourers,
construction, factory and shop workers,
those with a job those without.
Black and white, gay and straight,
many in trade unions whilst others not.
Democratic socialists, communists and anarchists
old Labour, new Labour and even newer Labour,
traditional Liberals and liberal traditionalists
working class and the (working class) middle class.
Some chanting slogans some singing songs
brass bands, salsa bands and jazz bands,
whilst some blew horns and whistles.
Many carried banners announcing their allegiance
to a trade union, political ideal, or campaining group
or just to get a message across, make a point.
All joined in common cause to make their voices heard
standing up to be counted.........
(and videoed by the security services)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem