Modern slavery

Modern slavery is not imposed,
no weapons needed, nor nets or chains,
the enslavers operate like fishermen:
they drop a bait that the slave will bite:
it could be an iPhone, a BMW or a penthouse,
the slaves will wake up at 6am,
suffocate for hours in the morning traffic,
sacrifice their eyes for the sake of a report,
arrive home late more sleepy than hungry,
wake up at dawn more drowsy than horny,
watch TV programs that promote mental numbness,
scroll over fake posts that help them feel real.
Traditional slaves lived in fear of their captors
the new ones are captives because of their fear:
the old-school slavery was the will of the powerful,
the current version is wished by the sorrowful.
Paperwork cages in social zoos
host well dressed specimens
of specialized apes
expecting only to be fed and cared for.
Politics and the media duly do their part:
their laws and news have a special twist
that helps install the anxiety trap
where the helpless cattle will sink their hooves.
Their alternative counterparts are also involved,
playing their role in the divide and rule game,
packaging some narrative disguised as truth
for the use of the necessary "other side".
The slaves are allowed a few hours of air time
that they employ to argue about current affairs,
leaving the debate on what affects their lives
to those who need them as beasts of burden.
Modern slavery is a useful tool:
protection, comfort, security and purpose
are lent to those who can't procure them themselves.
The price? It's the old one: a mortgage on their souls.