READING: Robb (Rabbitt) MacKay, Unemployment Line

Now there’s a new craze going around
It’s getting bigger in most every town
From New York city out to Hollywood
Got every body in the neighbourhood

Down in the unemployment line
You got yourself a place and I got mine
We’ve been here waiting since the clock struck nine
Down in the unemployment line

Now every day you’ve got to fight the horde
Just to read what’s on the bulletin board
When you go back and try and claim your space
Some other sucker came and stole your place

I hope the people in the government
Tell us how we’re going to pay the rent
How we’re going to get enough to eat
Now that the workingman is obsolete

If things keep going like they seem they do
Won’t be long before
They’re down here too
And they can be a part of this here mob
Working nine to five to find a job

Answer the questions about the poem.

1.What is the problem referred to in the first verse?
2.How many people does it affect?
3.At what time do people arrive at the unemployment centre?
4.Is it easy to know about the daily job offers? Give evidence.
5.What’s the possible consequence of leaving the place in line?
6.Who does the writer accuse of being responsible for what he’s going through?
7.What might happen if the responsible people do nothing for the unemployed people?