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 the poetry Collection RISE. This poem confronts the dehumanisation of workers in systems that reduce people to function, stripping them of dignity, visibility, and fair compensation.

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