I see in England, yes, in England
a social service privatised
choosing their patients
care optional, love by licence.
I see food banks thriving
people queueing for dignity
boxes packed with disbelief
poverty in a packet.
I see jails overcrowded
with vaguely held convictions
reprieve now postponed
as justice waits.
I see homeless beggars
sinking into obscurity
identity a cardboard box
indifference passing by.
I see a lack of houses
discontent fenced in
homesick people priced out
how much does dignity cost?
I see libraries are closing
literacy a closed book
inquiries with no answers
photo-copying the future.
I see our lasting legacy
children with stunted pasts
an inverted inheritance
burdened by our history.