Three Voices (poem)

 From the May 1975 issue of the Socialist Standard

When POVERTY and FORTUNE met 

To discuss their various plans 

Said FORTUNE: “I’ve smiled upon the rich 

And with them shaken hands.

To them I've whispered POVERTY

Will help us to exploit

The poor and dejected

And to their hopes put flight”.

Said POVERTY: “My worthy friend,

I knew you wouldn’t falter

At the throne of riches bending knee,

Ignoring poor man’s altar.

’Tis on its slab their hopes will die 

Ambitious souls will perish.

All their dreams we’ll sacrifice 

The dream that they most cherish.

For their freedom is but a symbol,

And for all their vain endeavour,

The poor will still be rich man’s slave 

The chains they’ll never sever.”

Said FORTUNE: ‘You’re my dearest friend, 

And constant too, I’m sure.”

So FORTUNE smiled upon the rich 

While POVERTY cursed the poor.

When SOCIALISM heard of this 

He thus addressed the poor:

“I cannot cure all life’s ills

But I can make them by far fewer.

So it’s I and UNDERSTANDING 

Workers must set their aim 

And hope for a better future 

Will burn with a brighter flame.” 

John L. Preece