The land of a thousand smiles
come to paradise across the sea
come and partake they said
in a paradise made for you and me
Crystal waters, golden white sand
jungles, rivers and elephant rides
enjoy the sites and fun
without even touching the sides
Like a large reptile
with a silky smooth sheen
but its underbelly rough and scared
hidden from all and unseen
Behind the carefully made facade
and the slightly drawn smile
are tales of sadness and sorrow
of bitterness and bile
I met a vile American
Randy was his name
an obvious wig hid his bald patch
but not his obvious shame
His companion was a young man
at least half his age
his secretary and assistant
living in his gilded cage
I suppose while Randy had his way
his companion improved his lot
and when you’ve got nothing
you don’t tend to ask why or what
But all the same
this sad arrangement left a bitter taste
of exploitation and greed
of a young spirit laid to waste
And it was only one of many
across this land so fair
as countless millions of mothers
mourn a landscape laid bare
Both girls and boys are needed
to feed the voracious appetite
of parlours, pubs and clubs
that function day and night
Flashing lights, g strings and smiles
function in their tantalising task
they capture attention
without revealing what’s behind the mask
If you look into those sad young eyes
you might see what’s left of a soul
that little bit left
beyond the mechanical movements of the role
But you may need to search deep
because the light may be very dim
about to be extinguished
not from without but within
For every thousand smiles you see
lie a thousand broken dreams
and for every broken dream
lies a thousand silent screams
As the hunger for young flesh grows
the ages of the victims decrease
the feeding frenzy spirals
quite unable to rest leave alone cease
Is this the price of progress
is this the way to go
the answer is written in the dust
in tears it reads – “No”
