you meet them
but they never meet you
rubbing shoulders
going to the same places
but they know the people
in charge
who run things
y’know
& it is writ large
over their every way
these are the round people
for the round holes
square pegs etc
they fitted
even before they turned up
signed in
the shoulders destined
to rub get on
while me & you
make up the numbers
create the impression
the game was not rigged
all along
if it can’t be fixed in ten seconds
he says
then don’t mention it
spinach in the teeth
flies undone is a yes
gender race color religion?
these are no no’s he goes
but then how do we change opinions
gain understanding of each other
ask the questions that matter?
are we to hide behind our hands our manners
like in some dated Victorian farce?
is it you have some idea we leave
these things to our betters
those with more skills education than you & me?
because those people live behind gates
have high ivory towers
that will never happen or do
it is us who have to bump along
shoulder to shoulder on our streets
it is here that truths & people meet
not in remote institutions faceless & frail
