Community And Progress Poem by David Chalk

We used to teach our children
The things that they should know
The skills that would enhance their lives
Whichever route they'd go

We used to have communities
For security and support
As we knew our neighbours
And to us they would report

Children could not run wild
But did remain quite free
As everyone looked out for them
Who had eyes to see

We did support our parents
With family and friends
As all rallied round
To ensure the needed ends

We did not treasure baubles
Or money above all else
And we had time to care
For more than simply self

And that times have changed
Individuality is all it seems
We do not know our neighbours
We have only petty dreams

We do not watch for children
Other than our own
We do not stand together
Against injustice known

We do not help each other
Community has been slain
And bureaucratic support
Is all that does remain

And nobody has the time
For any problems but their own
And incomes have shrunk
Whilst businesses have grown



And nobody has the time
For any problems but their own
And incomes have shrunk
Whilst businesses have grown

We're that this is progress
And there is no alternative
In this global economy
In which, now we live

We're told that this is progress
And there is no alternative
In this global economy
In which, now we live

So convenience is necessity
And exploitation's rife
As demand for infinite profit
Is what shapes our life

I deny that this is progress
And that we all do gain
As community has collapsed
And Exploitation remains