WORKING CLASS GIRL

When I was a child I just wanted to write –
I’d write in a notebook and read through the night.
My parents weren’t wealthy but I didn’t care –
They loved me to bits and would always be there.
I loved to do writing and just couldn’t stop –
I was bottom at P.E.; the rest, I was top!
Education : no worries, I knew I’d be fine
The eleven-plus gave me a good chance to shine.

Us working class kids then had the same chance as all
To show we were able to reach Grammar School.
As I did in the Sixties – still no cash to spare
But I got there on merit – how is that not fair?
I left school at 18 – my parents were proud,
My ‘A’ Levels were better than most of my crowd.
But we still had no money so uni was out –
Then I started to learn what real life was about!

One year at a college was all I could do,
Then I got a good job and I did it well too.
Too young I got married and soon paid the price –
Should’ve listened to all the well-meaning advice!
I just couldn’t get on with being a wife,
Housework was too boring – I wanted a life.
We drifted apart and I soon met another
And not too long after he made me a Mother!

The crème de la crème – but no money at all
Two working class kids from a good Grammar School!
Poor and exhausted, at least we were happy,
No time then for writing – just pass the next nappy!
We soon learned the hard way what privilege’s about –
We’re back of the queue when promotion comes out!
They flog us to death and make use of our brain
But yet we’re passed over again and again.

We should both be retired now, but still we are poor
Retirement age upped – so we must work some more.
Our children and Grandkids have very small hope
So we’re soldiering on just to help them to cope.
No Grammar schools now guys – you just have to pay
For a good education; it’s the only way.
Brains the size of a planet, but we can’t get ahead.
The past has been hard – and the future we dread.

I always suspected and know now it’s true
Whoever you are and whatever you do
Hard work and intelligence don’t help you advance –
Best marry a banker if you get the chance!
So I carry on writing – it’s my therapy
One day I’ll be published – how hard can it be?
But I’m no star, nor Duchess, so the answer is clear:
Without cash, luck or contacts there’s no hope I fear.