“Monopoly” by Connie Wanek
We used to play, long before we bought real houses.
A roll of the dice could send a girl to jail.
The money was pink, blue, gold as well as green,
and we could own a whole railroad
or speculate in hotels where others dreaded staying:
the cost was extortionary.
At last one person would own everything,
every teaspoon in the dining car, every spike
driven into the planks by immigrants,
every crooked mayor.
But then, with only the clothes on our backs,
we ran outside, laughing.
“Monopoly” by Connie Wanek, from On Speaking Terms. Copper Canyon Press, 2010.
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Lovley, thanks for sharing
I first heard this poem last week. It was part of the Poetry Corner broadcast with Garrison Kieller. I think it’s going to be one of my favorites.
I love it! Monopoly is an old favorite.
The realistic poem i was waiting to read. very satisfying poem.
very strong voice against the shit things. Monopoly, black business, corruption, all in one in beautiful way. I like it very much very short and very effective.
Thank you
Robin Jokes