John Leonard: They Do Their Best

They do their best-not wanting
To show an ungrateful face,
Not wanting to step out of line,
To show difference

They do their best-crowding out
The shops, being up with the latest
This or that, the most pressing of
Consumer needs.

They do their best-to make
A life, to find things to follow,
Not wanting to have nothing
To hold to.

They do their best-to be part,
To share the hatred that has been
Crafted for them, hate not
In their hearts.

They do their best-at the moments
Of desolation, to pretend there is
Something that connects, some reason
Why they belong to this here
And now-the here and the now
Made of the nothings, of the hate,
Of countless unbelongings.