Ghosts in the machine

We live on the outside

Of locked doors

We walk on by

A mournful sigh escapes

We can see

But are never seen

Remember me

You saw no reflection

So a living wage was taken away

Dehumanising the worker

They are seen as a machine

Assembled to serve

A ghost of a being

With a face to smile

A touch that soothes

This is no machine

Now do you see?

Connections will be made

The light of the spirit flickers

So one day we will be free

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in RISE, Camille’s second contemporary poetry collection. Ghosts in the machine explores the dehumanisation of labour under systems that demand service while denying recognition — insisting on the irreducible humanity, dignity and inner life of workers too often treated as invisible instruments.

This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.