Those asbestos blues

Yeah, Witternoom —
long years ago
that town was news ...
got me a job
nobody told me 'bout
blue asbestos blues ...

Money spiders
web of death
clogged my lungs
with every breath 
Cost too much
to use scientific know-how
on blue or white
asbestos blues.

Lost my child
lost my wife
maybe I'll lose
my hold on life
but we won't work
in dead men's shoes
or sing asbestos blues!

When Hardies giant
crossed the Nullabor
held the secret ...
asbestosis.
I accuse him
killing thousands,
more thousands more,
more related to
asbestos blues ...

danger in their products
danger in our houses,
rooves and fences 
patched up work clothes
hung out to dry —
thousands more still die
of asbestos blues

Accuse the giant
Hardies making
illegal billions
building products
mixed with suicide — 
Make them pay their victims
full compensation
Extend the bans
of unions, consumers,
local councils.
Tell your neighbour
Get on side
make the boycott
nationwide!
bury asbestos blues ...

Joan Williams