David Supper
The Benefits
Behind closed doors they sit nand watch, enticed by worlds beyond their means;
Seduced by offers to gamble and gamble away what little they have.
When the fun stops, stop is the message - but it's far too tempting.
Young women argue, compare tattos, shout, smoke, wear worn pale faces,
Money is scarce, they live off the state, scrimp and make do.
There are no jobs, but they do not want work, it's easier to dream.
Across town live rich city traders, bankers, wankers et al:
There's money for those in the know, a nod and a wink,
You grease my palm and I'll grease yours, we'll keep it safe (for ourselves).
On the estates the envy is palpable, everyone wants the good things of life,
Something for nothing now is the norm, take it or steal it - nobody cares!
Who is the thief? Answers are many, but the truth is - both!
Which of these citizens can really be called - Britain's 'Benefit Cheats'?
Outside, the glow of sodium, a strange orange/yellow that lights up the streets,
Yours is the decision, dependent on your point of view,
The workers, the wealthmakers, who's most important, I leave that to you.
Times have changed, the old order has disappeared, now it's a scramble, a fight for survival,
Who is on board and how many still yearn for an 'old ways' revival?
thistles stretch their prickly arms afar
David Supper was born (far too many years ago) in Surrey. He scraped into Grammar School and eventually ended up at Manchester Art College. Fate decided that he would go into teaching (having failed as a Graphic Designer) and he spent 35 years rattling round classrooms facing recalcitrant youths around the country. Retirement gave David the freedom (and financial security) to pursue his painting career and recently he had a one-man exhibition at a Derbyshire Gallery and is now represented by a London Gallery.
On the way to this, he married, had three children, got divorced and re-married and is now quite content. David started writing poetry seriously in the late nineties and has poems published in the following anthologies: The Robin Hood Book, Home Sweet Home, Uplifting Moments, Cornwall, Pasture New, It's a Colourful Life, In the Mind's Eye, Expressions, The Best Poems of 2007, Collected Whispers, National Poetry Anthology 2012, and the Poetry Diary 2013, Poetic Hours, Spring 2007.
thistles stretch their prickly arms afar
Militant Thistles