Those who know me will be very well aware that I am deeply opposed to Britain leaving the EU. I have sleepless nights worrying about the impending catastrophe about to hit my country – especially at the point where we should be working flat out together to divert the impending catastrophe about to hit the whole planet. It causes me to despair of humanity’s future, and question whether our adaptation for survival – our intelligence – is all it’s cracked up to be.

But as a writer, I am always trying to put myself inside the head of my characters, to see the world how they see it. In this poem I try to imagine the hurt, anger and emotion that led to the Leave victory in 2016. 

It is, of course, light years away from the arrogant egotism that’s driving the political leadership of this country. That, I think, is a desperate last-ditch response to the volcanic rage that’s simmering beneath the surface in this country and around the world. 

Anyway. Here’s the poem. It might turn into a song at some point. 

Brexit

I’ve built your bloody liners
I’ve hewn your bloody coal
One week working fit to bust
One week on the dole

I’ve a zero hours contract
For a zero value job
I’ve a zero value life
And you’re a zero value snob

I’ve fought your bloody wars for you
Was always proud to serve
To make this bloody country
Fit for heroes to deserve

But you mechanised production
Sold the factory, closed the mine
You traded in my labour
For a tax haven in the sun

So forget your global village
Forget your euro, too
You’ve taken everything I was
And I’m coming now for you.

© Sue Rule 2018