1/11/96 - 4/4/97

Coalface

Their not in the coalmine anymore
(though some are)
its the coalface of the keyboard
and men and women on the line

strive for that new car.
we’ll repay your loan
as you pledge consumer loyalty
our credo -don’t organize,
or realize your chains are there.

No locked factories
   just locked minds, 
      necessary accessories
of long-forgotten memories
  and  discarded histories

The preceding struggle is forgotten
(as angst wrapped in cotton wool
finds easy targets, builds fences)
the pain, the sacrifice, the striving
   for an eight hour day
      and funeral expenses.