Today the New York Times photographing dumpster divers . . .
Are there none of those in their own city?
Much of it is healthy, letting nothing go to waste.
Today the countryside is clearer thanks to scrap-metal recycling.
Today volunteers, including myself, planting cypresses where fires raged.
In the past the council paid contractors
And many plants died off through being put out in summer months.
Today our trees will have a better chance.
Today fewer wonderful free concerts,
All the early music ones have gone from my city,
Fewer fiestas, fewer free paellas and sardinadas.
Today the banks who paid for this have less money to burn.
Today the empty estates where feral children played.
A seaside destroyed by concrete.
Wild wetlands tamed with townhouses.
Today one suicide too many has stopped the repossessions.
Today the South Americans are going back.
More chance of buying their own home in Ecuador.
Today the banks will not give mortgages
To those with jobs unless they’re politicians.
Today the strikes for those who still have jobs
And can afford a day’s less pay.
The indignados have fizzled out
Today cynicism is taking their place.
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