The Mother

The Mother

Helene Weigel as Vlasova

While you're alive, don't say never!
Security isn't certain
And things won't stay as they are.
When the ruling class has finished speaking
Those they ruled will have their answer.
Who dares to answer never?
On whom is the blame if their oppression stays? On us!
On whom does it fall to destroy it? On us!
So if you are beaten down, you just rise again!
If you think you've lost, fight on!
Once you have seen where you stand, there is nothing can
hold you back again.
For those defeated today will be the victors tomorrow
And from 'never' comes our 'today'.

--from Bertolt Brecht's "The Mother"--