Liberal elites don’t have a clue about the white working class.” The Washington Post

White privilige
what a joke
we occupy space
vicariously
some days we hang on
by our finger tips

Scared to look down 
or up or to the side
we hide from ourselves

Some days we hover
on a magic carpet
of hope 
that things will finally get better.

That our Rita will be offered a council flat
but the man says Afghan asylum seekers
come first, you’ll get your turn
but don’t hold your breath.

Maybe wee Joe’ll find a place at a good school
but the man says they’re all over-subscribed
folk from the private estate down the road
grab the places.
Little Joe’ll survive, but he won’t thrive.

Gran needs an op to save her life
it’s been cancelled twice
she’s given up trying to see the doc,
she hopes she’ll be lucky. or, maybe, not.

Hard times, private affluence, public poverty,
No kindness, no empathy, no opportunity: 
“Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number-”

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