ELECTION DAY at last.

We have waited so long

14 years of austerity
14 years of the erosion of what was good.
Sure start centres closed.
Libraries gone.
Hospital waiting lists longer.
Schools short of teachers,
crumbling public buildings.
Surgeries not allowed to employ GP's.

14 years we have waited,
and in the waiting
the rich have become richer
more children than ever are in poverty
the abomination in the growth of food banks
homelessness has risen again
and the language of fear is used 
to divide.

Populism is on the rise
offering false hopes
cheap answers
and just more lies.

We have waited so long.

Our water is polluted 
like never before
yet investors bank accounts have grown.
Earths habitat is being killed off
by the insatiable desire for more.

We have waited so long.

Don't forget to vote.
Don't forget your ID.
Though ID was never needed before
what a cheap and cynical way 
to stop some from having a voice.

The wait is over
and the hope ?

Well by tomorrow
will the liars be gone?
will the corrupt pay back what they have stolen?
will justice be done that we might live in peace?

Pull down O God
this day
individuals from power
who have played on divisions
and made themselves wealthy
at the expense of others.

Raise up O God
this day
individuals
of integrity
who create community
care for the earth
and who understand
that to serve 
is true leadership.

(c) Mark Goodhand 4th July 2024












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