Further Down the Line

An old one, from 1974.

 

'It's better for some than for others

In the sway and the way of the world,

For there's never a cut and dried answer,

To your cut and dried questions, my girl.

Yes, I know that it's hard on assistance

Since everyone went to the wall,

I've stood in the line since September,

And I'll stand 'til the government falls.'

 

'I've seen children stand for their fathers

In the line, for an hour or more,

With the lines by the week getting longer

As we file through the government's door,

And the faces I've seen hold no visions

Of Europe, or travel abroad,

Just a face-saving job in a warehouse,

Just a job - that's the only reward!'

 

'Is he mad', said the girl in reflection,

'Can't he see us all here on the dole?

Has he ever stood deep in a two hour queue,

Does he care, does the man have a soul?

When the people have need of a leader....'

But the end of the line was near;

I wished her a most Merry Christmas,

And a prosperous, Happy New Year!'

 

David Lewis Paget

 

16 December 1974

Author's Note

Written over 30 years ago during the first big recession in Australia, it just goes to show that there's nothing new in this world. We just repeat the mistakes, over and again.

Reviews

[Mark]

Much the same may be uttered in America's near-term future, David...as it was in 1907, and 1929, and 1971; the ones who hold the purse-strings keep "requesting" new legislation, giving in effect more keys unlocking vaster henhouses to cannier foxes! And "We, the People" refuse to learn from the lessons of our past, and keep handing them those keys, then whining that there's no more chicken in every pot! Very insightful write, my friend! I'm wondering whether "my girl", referred to in line 4 might be a metaphorical representation of "Lady Liberty", as it is she who is the true hostage in this mess!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I agree with everything stated by Mark on this one. America is quickly headed in the same direction; and those who are rushing us in that direction the quickest, will also be the quickest ones to cry. The words of Neal Boortz quickly come to mind, "the dumb masses." Say that quickly and it sounds like the dumb asses. Either way, it fits.

You have written yet another profoundly insightful poem, and it rings true even today.

Love,

Linda Marie

[R J Askew]

I like this one better then LOOKING BACK. I think this one has more social bite. I can see the line shuffling along with the guys gazing at their shoes. And I like 'government's door'. Dole queues raise all kinds of emotive issues, personal and social. I think the first two verses are best. And being in Europe it is interesting to see Europe as a distant dream. Also we in Europe tend to think of Oz as a paradise with no problems. (Maybe if you cld get Oz/paradise lost into the poem somewhere, even in the title, that wld be good). A good read though. And as you say...here we go again! Actually, I like the title as it is.

[Lena M. P.]

Que Sera Sera. D�j� vu! And history repeats itself - a different time with different faces but the words are just the same. Your words are as relevant today as they were back then. Sad to say; but tis the truth.

[Valentine]

Well David..you hit the bad news we are having here and all over the world in a 30 year old poem..It is a fabulous write..I could almost see the poor people not knowing where to turn next for aid..Keep them coming mate..You are my personal favorite writer..love and God bless Lyn and you..Kathie

[Norma J. Jessee]

I have tried three times to delete two of these reviews. I have no idea why there are three. But I suppose the part about history repeating itself isn't the only thing that is repeating itself. It seems my review is also and it means to stay because it won't let me delete the extras. Sorry

[Norma J. Jessee]

They say that history repeats itself and it has been proven true down through the centuries. It seems that man never learns from his mistakes.
You speak of standing in lines waiting for the government handouts. And then there were rations, gas, coffee, sugar among other things. The world is moving toward this point again, as another era of recession that supossedly began around 2007 and has been predicted to last until 2011 whereas others are predicting 2020. While it may not be as bad as the great depression was it could change overnight.
We should never lose sight of the hard times and their causes because when we do that is the time we fall again because we have become over confident that it can't happen again. Just as man boosted and bragged that the titanic was unsinkable, God showed them that it wasn't. Anything can happen and will.
Thank you for reminding us of these things David.
Very sad and thought provoking but needed to be said.

[Ferg]

A timeless piece, my friend. Yes, everything cycles round and round and here we find ourselves back at the back of the line again. Nicely written.