Nothing Left
The unions are dead,
carcasses of a once great
movement - now mute.
Great bones of industry fractured,
the post war dream was
butchered. Left hanging
by the lady not for turning.
Time - time turned iron to rust
the common man’s
dreams like coal to dust.
Things can only get better!
So ‘New labour’ said.
But her bruise remains,
and all their blood has bled to blue
and in a land of thieves and liars
who’s left - to represent you?
Lady - turning I see a teacher,
she has a way with words,
but her mouth is not for speaking -
for the unions are dead.
Chris Co
Thu 18th Apr 2013 09:06
Thx Cynthia and M.C - for reading and feedback.
Hi Cynthia, yes I very much understand. I like much religious poetry, despite being an atheist. I enjoy the language, humanity, passion, technique of Rossetti, Longfellow, R.S Thomas etc.
I fully take on board that the political content of my poem, or indeed any political poem, is not for everybody. The fact that you have appreciated the poem and the poetics, aside or discounting any political agreement is - much appreciated.
Whenever we work hard (any of us rather than the royal we) to achieve anything poetically; whenever someone says such efforts paid off, that's a great feeling. I'll happily take that over and above any political agreement. Thx
As I mentioned prior, I wrote this poem prior to Lady Thatcher's death. The poem was written in response to the legacy of her time in office. In particular the poem was written to the backdrop of exasperation. Exasperation at teachers having so little or - no say in the curriculum and teaching methods in schools.
I felt the unions needed urgent reform when Thatcher came to power, reform, not the breaking of. Equally not all unions and sectors of society needed the same weight of reform. Michael Gove, the policies, teachers lacking a voice; all seem to echo her time in office, none of it would have been possible before her time.
I'd prefer a generation taught how to think for themselves; given the tools to be able to do that. Not a generation of rote learning savants who come to know much and understand little. I also worry about our history and understanding becoming more provincial.
I would guess both may concern you, knowing as I do your connections to teaching as well your cosmopolitan background/heritage.
M.C
There is simply no way you would try to convince me or anyone else as you have without truly held beliefs; this is understood. I recognise elements of truth here and there in the points you make too, particularly in relation in certain union failings in the 70 and the need for market reforms. But what we would view as answers are quite different.
I cannot agree with the speed of reforms under Thatcher, or the scope of much of the reforms. The lack of managed transition in the economy too, in light of north sea oil and other such fundings, I feel this was myopic and politically disastrous. Socially I regard her handling of the country generally, also to be disastrous. You do not, your focus differs and that is understandable.
I honestly doubt we will agree with much politically. What is obvious is that you do believe in your political convictions and have integrity in that regard. Politically we just have to agree to differ - which is not so bad. This discourse has been interesting and carries its own value.