war torn lives were mending
as the Empire began its decline and fall
rubbled towns and cities rose again
peace prevailed – guaranteed
by the UN and NATO
now armed with atomic bombs
we will be safe, life will be good
a better world is coming
a welfare umbrella would shelter all
rationing would soon end
women resumed domesticity
in their nuclear families
some discovered refrigeration
and the warmth of central heating
‘the pill’ was revolutionary
Lady Chatterly ended censorship
and then electric laundry maids appeared
with Beatles and miniskirts and hotpants
oil and gas flowed onshore
all will be well
every home has TV
industries decline and smoky chimneys fall
we eat strawberries all year round
and make devoted pilgrimages to
Disneyland & Costa del Sol
for the working week has shrunk
in a pay later plastic world
life is good
consumption unchecked
celebrities and apps proliferate
what’s not to like – until
the bills fall due
as pollution threatens our future
extinctions multiply under chaotic skies
ISMs stoke hatred
and drums of war beat again
millions migrate
seeking shelter and safety
or just a better life
but it is not to be found

June 2022