From the Diary of Winston Smith (pantoum)

I’ve found it hard to live in this world;

I’m practically a prostitute,

destitute and in the direst of circumstances,

I give up my body and my mind.

I’m practically a prostitute,

and I’m not particularly well off for it.

I give up my body and my mind

for a few sweet moments,

and I’m not particularly well off for it:

there’s no space for love or liberty.

For a few sweet moments

I’m ashamed of what I’d sacrifice.

There’s no space for love or liberty-

ideas can be so very dangerous.

I’m ashamed of what I’d sacrifice

for my flatscreen.

Ideas can be so very dangerous…

I need more shows

for my flatscreen

to drown out the voices.

I need more shows-

I’m lacking the courage and compassion

to drown out the voices

of the currently empowered.

I’m lacking the courage and compassion;

I’ve found it hard to live in this world

of the currently empowered,

destitute and in the direst of circumstances.

by: Raymond Alistair

John Hurt in the film version of 1984