From the May 1975 issue of the Socialist Standard
When POVERTY and FORTUNE metTo discuss their various plansSaid FORTUNE: “I’ve smiled upon the richAnd with them shaken hands.To them I've whispered POVERTYWill help us to exploitThe poor and dejectedAnd to their hopes put flight”.Said POVERTY: “My worthy friend,I knew you wouldn’t falterAt the throne of riches bending knee,Ignoring poor man’s altar.’Tis on its slab their hopes will dieAmbitious souls will perish.All their dreams we’ll sacrificeThe dream that they most cherish.For their freedom is but a symbol,And for all their vain endeavour,The poor will still be rich man’s slaveThe chains they’ll never sever.”Said FORTUNE: ‘You’re my dearest friend,And constant too, I’m sure.”So FORTUNE smiled upon the richWhile POVERTY cursed the poor.When SOCIALISM heard of thisHe thus addressed the poor:“I cannot cure all life’s illsBut I can make them by far fewer.So it’s I and UNDERSTANDINGWorkers must set their aimAnd hope for a better futureWill burn with a brighter flame.”John L. Preece
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