Social Mobility Poem by heather sweeting

Social mobility, all in all is a laudable aspiration,
But is it 'up' from being 'down' or 'sideways' in any direction?
And who decides where 'up' is - by what measure, compass or scale?
Your zenith may be my nadir, your dross my Holy Grail!

Sons of Lords end up in the courts after showing unusual behaviour
in a local park, frequented by those of a distinctly different order.
There, Latin conjugations' take on meanings not learnt in school,
And a privileged childhood holds no sway with litigation's rules.

We cleave to our clubs and societies, as ivy clings to the wall,
As a focus for social cohesion in our concrete, suburban sprawl.
Hobbies and pastimes allow us to mix with those of a similar passion,
Status and salary count for naught where friendship is the fashion.

Lawyer and builder angle together from a pitch on the river bank,
Their homeward journeys take them to a mansion and a flat.
Their schooling was hardly crucial to their chosen occupations,
Builder a multi millionaire - lawyer peddling compensations.

History shows we have mostly lived in clans, tribes or orders,
Evolution decrees that few will lead and many must be followers.
'Greatness is born not made' they say, and it matters not a jot
however you stir your barrel of milk, the cream will rise to the top!