If you want to see how the poor die, come see Grenfell Tower

Grenfell Tower

A tall, charred tower
parades for eyes that wish to view,
And though I wasn’t there.

People burned in their rooms
while others scampered
through the hallways.

Some sought relief,
jumping from high balconies —
children, mothers,
fathers, friends.

Frantically screaming
as a rabid fire uproots
a community and shines

A spotlight on this nation
(the richest will not cater for the poor).
Cladding on the Tower,

And a Hotpoint fridge
Notably mentioned,
Stirs the negligible nightmare

79 deceased,
Imprints on the psyche
But Brexit and May
Storm back on the agenda.

The media complies
Wistfully reporting
Failed safety checks.

But others want to know
Who’s missing?
who’s dead?

Who’s grieving?
Who’s homeless?
Who’s penniless?

Who’s angry?
Though I wasn’t there
A resident expressed:

“We are not angry…
WE ARE TRAUMATIZED.”

Further Reading: Keir Starmer offers apology ‘on behalf of British state’ to victims of Grenfell Tower fire

Further Reading: Grenfell tower survivors believe ‘many more’ people died than in current official death toll, Labour MP David Lammy says