Unbroken Chains
~~~
Slavery does not always come with chains
The sad practice to this day remains
Where the impoverished can never break
The bondage to the money they make
~~~
Employers swell in the profits they gather
Accumulated wealth is all that matters
And the tired hands that see the profits won
Do without when the long day is done
~~~
Success only measured by the stock price
Corporate greed becomes an accepted vice
But unchanged are the lives of our neighbors
Left so poorly rewarded for their labors
~~~
Just be happy that you are employed
Let that keep your spirits buoyed
Be glad there is a bus that goes this far
As you will never afford a decent car
~~~
They act if they are doing us a favor
By so undervaluing good labor
Each day they are put to full use
In a job they are scared to lose
~~~
But it does not have to be this way
Struggling for the pittance paid
And there within a minimal wage
Slaves they are in a gilded cage
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
this needs to change. unacceptable on so many levels.
Thanks Beth! I hope we are moving in the right direction and change is not far off, but it still only a hope…
Yes! Very well said my friend! This over-extended, super-capitalism, greed, corporatism and centralised gubernatorial control is destroying society and we are being made slaves more and more…
Thanks brother! We must remain unbridled!
Absolutely!
Not only are we continuing to be slaves of the almighty dollar, our society is becoming more and more ruled by laws made by and voted on by politicians which take our freedoms away. You know how difficult was the fight to be allowed to ride your bike without wearing a helmet, even though it’s your body only you put at risk and should automatically be your decision under that circumstance. Someday they may well take away our right to use a steak knife because too many people have cut themselves using one! So much for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Meanwhile, the big wigs – CEOs and politicians – live in their big houses and drive fancy cars and don’t give a flying f**k about anyone else, as long as they are what they perceive as ‘happy’.
In all civilizations, slaves can only bear the weight of bondage for so long. Then they break their chains and slay the masters.
a powerful commentary on one of the glaring problems with capitalism. While there is no doubt it has raised the standard of living, it has also left many people behind. That’s why I’ve become such a fan of socialism, but being such a fan does create a lot of cognitive dissonance. I think what we need is a kinder, gentler form of capitalism, that takes care of the needs of everyone..
Wonderful poem, Brad…
Thanks Jim! Sign me up for the kinder gentler form too…
will do!
Meanwhile, the workers work harder, and the fat cats get fatter.
Indeed….Thanks Pete!
Agreed! Everyone deserves a decent living wage, one where they can actually live! I’m tired of working for the man just so he can take credit for my own ideas and use my hard work to line his own pockets. There is so much more to life than just working and paying bills! I want to shout from the roof tops so people might open their eyes to see that’s exactly what they are, slaves! But every time I try to reach out to someone who can’t see what’s directly in front of them, I get made fun of for the silver streaks in my hair. It’s a shame how conditioned they are by people who are only concerned with their own financial freedom. Who cares that people are hungry and dying as long as those at the top are well fed!? I don’t understand how they can’t see it! I’ll hop off my soapbox now.
I appreciate your passion for seeing equality and valuing all life. You can break out the soap box anytime. Even when you do not agree…and especially then!
Haha! You have yet to say anything I disagree with, but I have never had an issue with voicing my opinions. 😆