One percent

One percent rules the world

One percent takes almost all

One percent is all it takes

One percent is not small

Is this all there is on offer

Control by persuasion

Domination by fear

Division by hate

Is human nature so evil

All it desires is to rule

Is human nature so mindless

All it can muster is troops

Surely this is a misperception

For when the floods come

Neighbours are by your side

A sign of solidarity

Establishing civility

The good example

Spreading its wings 

Carrying unity

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in RISE, Camille’s second contemporary poetry collection. One percent considers the machinery of concentrated power — questioning narratives of fear, domination and division while insisting that solidarity, mutual care and ordinary civic goodness remain stronger truths of human life.

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