Annie Besant: Bitter Memories

Such bald accounts exist — but —

who cares for the collective fates

of white wage slaves — slumborn —

undersized because underfed —

oppressed because helpless —

flung aside as soon as worked out —

as long as Bryant and May — and shareholders —

get their percent, buy parks, erect statues?

Oh, let’s have someone make special circles

in the people’s Inferno for those like these — who suck

the wealth out of such hapless girls. Failing poets,

please do not partake of their sins. Instead —

reach deep into their unconscionable pockets —

avoid their commodities. We will strike our matches —

and burn with the light. But, bitter memories survive.

. . . . .

Poet: Susan Powers Bourne
Source: White Slavery in London
Process: Pick, mix, add words