rewritten 3/4/97

International Jet-Set

The plane takes off
straining to pull its human cargo
   into the crisp air
Off, up and away
   into the blue void,
its wings carrying hopeful millions

This efficient, modern machine 
is carried up on thermals
produced by coalfires
   the warmth of the Revolution
its engines are powerful
turned over by Invasion, expansion
innovation...greed

Certain destinations are unpopular
keep away from Africa, Latin America - 
accidents are known to happen,
unruly demands can manufacture heartburn

No need to worry though
the plane will remain
firmly in service
plotting consumer routes well-travelled
everything is under control, the pilots know best
the passengers dare not speak
or take another flight path

"This is your captain speaking -
Ideology is dead"

everyone knows
   what they need

"Who let those niggers on the plane?
Ok, so long as it's only a few."
   
we all know
Nice guys finish last