Addams’ life was a long one and was filled
With actively speaking and engendering participation.
She travelled the world to set up the clubs that were gristmill
For her Women’s International Peace and Freedom association.
In person and in her writings, she beseeched the President, Wilson,
To stop using democracy as an excuse for foreign aggression,
And to embrace the League of Nations – in other words, relent –
To compulsory arbitration, and for foreign policy, consent
To controls. She sought to stop all future wars.
When Russian immigrants came streaming to the U.S.,
She welcomed them, treating them with respect,
Which got her labelled a Communist ‘sympathizer.’
Called the “Mother of Peace” and “Queen of America,”
She publicly held to her spirit’s smart, peace-loving nature.
June Edvenson 