A poem by: Ben Dunk.  1966.

STATE CARE STATE

Mother plays at Bingo’

Father shifts his work.

Juniors got the key of the door

at five year’s old.

Ten stolen bicycle’s lie’

rotting in the shed.

Parents turn a blind eye ,

when they see roof lead-

or, borrow half-a-bar

to last until the draw,

at Thursday’s welfare hand out,

sponsored by the state.

Daughter’s in her fourteenth year

And had her first abortion.

“Put her on the pill”, they say.

“Save her by precaution”.

For some:

Gone are days of loving care

and rapturous attention.

“Be quiet Johnny, go and play Johnny;

“I can’t read to you tonight Johnny.”

“I’m off now for a date.”

“Daddy won’t be home ‘til late,

he’s working through the night.”

“Please put out the cat,

turn off the Telly and the light.”

“Lizzy don’t forget your pill,

in case the Punk’s should call.”

“Good night!”