by John J. Butler
November 1995
Hands I have, that need to be used,
To live a full life, to pay my dues;
But today I'm homeless, nowhere to live,
What of my trade, and all I can give?No good, they tell me, you are too old,
Living on handouts and on the dole,
Builders and painters and carpenters too;
Idle, frustrated with nothing to do.Am I too old, or am I too young?
Always my age seemingly wrong
Yet I have crafts than can be used
Better than standing in government queues.The country suffers at such a cost,
Paying me idle, oh, what a loss;
And what of my skills and energy too,
For I am willing to earn my dues.I am no tramp or drinker of wine,
I am like you, a guy who was fine,
But my job has been taken, and livelihood too,
And the company took back my home so new.My family is gone, my pride distroyed,
My standard of living, is no joy.
Once well off and happily wed
Now I have nothing, not even a bed.Redundant, on the heap like leaves dead,
Yet I'm still able to earn my bread.
No money they tell us, we must cut back,
So hundreds and thousands get the sack."Get on our bikes", were Tebbitt's words.
But all that cost money, seeking work
In towns or cities who have nothing to give.
Walking the streets, no place to liveThe Water, Electric and Gas Works too,
Charging the earth, to pay bosses new,
I go without, unable to feed,
Yet they have more than they possibly need.Give me a job, that I may proud feel,
Give me a wage that is a fair deal;
Give me a home that is fit to live,
And some pride when my services give.
The poem is based on some of my own experienced and of those who come to the Hostel looking for a place to sleep and help.
The Swansea Cyrenians is a voluntary organisation established in 1973. It is the only Direct Access Hostel in Swansea with the nearest being in Cardiff some 40 miles east and Camarthen some 20 miles west of the city.
Tebbitt: Norman Tebbitt was an Member of Parliament under Margaret Thatcher. In a speech referring to the growing numbers of unemployed, he said: "My father did not wait around....he got on his bike and went out looking for work."