The swirling waters of my thoughts
Were on Camille(*) in 'sixty nine
'Klan helps out' the headline shouts
And my America sprang to mind:

Working hard for each day's pay
Then dare the deep and ride the storm,
Can't say "can't" and won't betray
The folks to whom you're born.

Against a rising tide of ills
There comes the time each must decide:
Cower beneath the lash of guilt
Or strive to do what's right.

The flood that breaks upon the plain
Can make the spirit well again.