Public Purse Strings Attached
Came the day when well-meaning magistrates
Gathered in Speenhamland’s Pelican Inn,
To settle supplements for wages too thin
To maintain life. Doles from the parish rates
Would make up for any deficiencies.
Although the sentiment’s always well placed,
It stops the cause of poverty being faced.
The real source of wealth’s inequalities;
All necessities for life are produced
For profit, it’s what the market’s about.
Whosoever can’t pay must do without,
Leaving those at the margins traduced.
Back in Speenhamland the parish rates soared,
While today it’s what the state can’t afford.
D. A.