THE PLANTER IN ME

I aim always to make money
My plantations have made me wealthy but
Along the way I might have lost my humanity
In the meantime I will love and enjoy my money

I did not start the trade
As a second son I needed to make my own way
So I turned with no regret to slavery

I am colour blind
I see only a commodity
That can bring huge returns
Prosperous is all I want to be

I do not get my hands dirty
I have the ship captains and
My agents and overseers
To do the soul destroying work for me
I count my money
And my conscience does not bother me

I am human
The slaves are but savages
I am stronger so they must do as I say
I work them hard
For profit is the only way

Sugar and cotton
Are my gods
I create a supply for there is a demand
On black suffering I do rely
I shrug my shoulders but never sigh
My conscience is easy
It is not a lie