What Would Dickens Think

What would Dickens think, If he could walk the streets of today. Would he be fooled by the pretty facades, Or would we find him frequenting back alleys and side streets, To see how far we have come. Would he think the lot, of women so much better? And would he notice a smaller gap between the rich and the poor, The rich still with open cheque books and charity work as the Answer to the world's woes, And the poor still selling their bodies and souls for their upkeep, Or drowning their sorrows in drink or drugs or both. How would he rate the lot, of children in the 21st century? With so many still mere playthings, at the mercy of adult whims. And not having to look far to find one to pick a pocket or two. Would our longer life expectancy mean anything to him, Given the number of those still miserable and lonely. Yet there is still one thing that should give him some hope And let him rest easy His books are still in print And they still touch people's hearts Inspiring them to strive for something better, A small miracle within itself.