Dry rot can substantially reduce
The value of your property
Just as sitting here
Watching silent subtitled TV
Could seriously damage your health
Were it not at rock bottom already.
Five days a week so many
sit transfixed to barn conversions
And 19C chamber pots,
Their minds out of gear,
In patience and resignation,
But also in gratitude
For actually being here.
The end of a long journey
Of pain, fear and tears,
This place of boredom and banality
Is also one of hope.