I Haven't Got a Chance

Note: I wrote this poem back in 1973 when I was 17. Looking back, was I really that angry and resentful then? Apparently so.......

I didn't ask to be called Douglas, I never had a say.

It was all down to the old man, he always got his way.

He's called Douglas so he must know how I feel,

I'm not sure about him but I feel bloody ill.

I didn't ask to be born, but since I had no choice,

'suppose I'd rather be alive, just; one of the boys.

I could have been born in Surrey, I could have been born in France,

But I'm sick to death of the east end, I haven't got a chance!

Capability Red          1973