Labour, 2024

by Steven Taylor

We’re already killing Houthis

With lawful explanations
They needed showing
That we mean business

Labour is agreeable. Complicit

The shipping lanes are sacrosanct
Like pilgrim routes for Christians

Previously, we killed Syrians
Libyans, Iraqis, former
Yugoslavians, Afghans

Not the hounds, just the people

Irish

The list is partial
And does not include

Refugees
Asylum seekers

Those who drown off Dover
The cockle pickers in Morecambe

Tribes and revellers
A wedding party waving
From a rooftop

Civilians, accidentally

Palestinians under rubble
Being starved of food and water
Medicines. Warmth and shelter

We supplied the weapons
Lethal, indiscriminate

No excuses

Labour’s ready for government

The Fruits of Starmer's Labour: The Bread and Roses Anthology 2023,  is available here