Update 2014: The UK govt spent £1 trillion of taxpayer’s money bailing out banks that should, in a “free market”, have gone bust. Last year (2013) UK bankers received £80 billion just in bonuses. Meanwhile poverty and inequality has now become an accepted way of life.
***
So I accepted an invitation from my bank to go and explain why there is no money going into my account. I told the banker that, since the financial crisis caused by the banks, many of my clients had gone bankrupt, while others were no longer able or willing to pay for my freelancing services. The banker offered to help by giving me a loan at high interest. I explained that I wouldn’t be able to repay the loan. The banker suggested a longer term for repayment. I explained that I needed a steady income not more debt. The banker was really keen to help and insisted on trying to process a loan for me but thankfully the bank computer (the power behind the throne) rejected the loan application on the grounds that I’m too poor. I asked if the bank could help in some other way but was told “No.” When I asked what would happen if my financial situation failed to improve or even (gulp!) declined further, I was told that the bank would increase sharply the cost of my overdraft or remove it altogether and demand instant repayment. I left the bank with “Have a nice day!” ringing in my ears.

BANKLAND

times are bad and times are hard
minus cash my way is barred
I’m treated like some retard
strapped to a suicide credit card
*
mr banker can’t you see
a certain sad irony
I’m telling you on bended knees
I saved you, now you save me!
*
Bankland, Federation of Bankland
The Republic of Bankland
United States of Bankland
United Kingdom of Bankland
*
Parasite,
A smart parasite
A real smart parasite
Keeps its host alive …
*
mr banker read the label
I’m a human being not a beast in a stable
but thanks to you I’m now unable
to put some food upon my table
*
coz any time cash flows to me
you takes it all in banker fees
thanks to you I’m on my knees
subsisting here with miseries
*
Bankland, Federation of Bankland
The Republic of Bankland
United States of Bankland
United Kingdom of Bankland
*
Parasite,
A smart parasite
A real smart parasite
Keeps its host alive …
*
… alive you hear? not mould’ring bones
buried under banker loans
mortgaged out of health and home
a bank statement for my headstone
*
Bankland, Federation of Bankland
The Republic of Bankland
United States of Bankland
United Kingdom of Bankland
*
Parasite,
A smart parasite
A real smart parasite
Keeps its host alive …