768. The market groans beneath a weight unseen,

SONNET 768
By JH Sayyar
The market groans beneath a weight unseen,
Where once coins could fetch a brimming store,
Now shelves stand bare with goods obscene—
Their cost a dragon none can dare ignore.
The humble loaf, once friend to modest hands,
Now sits aloof upon its golden throne;
While milk and grain obey no sane commands,
But dance to tunes the common man can't own.
Our wages crawl, yet prices leap and soar,
Like hawks that circle skies with greedy eyes.
The poor grow poorer, knocking at the door
Of power deaf to hunger’s bitter cries.

Yet still we hope, though lean and sorely tried,
That justice wakes where greed and want collide.