The Tollbooth Martyrs

The Tollbooth Martyrs

The tollbooth martyrs, 21 – 56,
Leave their lives at the gate
And beneath the standard issue crucifix
Push their summers to the side of the plate

Live their lives through diaries
Can’t get jobs in libraries
Live their lives through diaries
Can’t get jobs in libraries

The calendar model, long-retired
Expecting her third, joined a choir
The saucer of coins marks off the years
From college to dole to tollbooth cashier

Live their lives through diaries
Can’t get jobs in libraries
Live their lives through diaries
Can’t get jobs in libraries

 

 

(Lyrics – GA Johnson)