United States Poetry Magazine

United States Poetry Magazine –

"In Dubious Battle" by Gary Beck

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September 15th, 2026

United States Poetry Contest #3 – First Place

In Dubious Battle

by Gary Beck

Another union strike defeated
as coal miners trudge back to work,
down the dark holes that eat their souls in the land of democracy where workers only want a fair wage for dangerous, debilitating labor for another voracious company profiting from its underground toilers, unwilling to share record earnings, forcing the workers to strike in the hope of getting a fair deal.
After two bitter years
on the mostly ignored picket lines
The United Mine Workers of America
gave in to the bosses,
told the miners to return to work
without having a contract,
another futile battle
against the lords of profit,
unconcerned with workers’ needs.

About the Poet
Gary Beck resides in New York, New York, United States.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications on Gary Beck's Artist Page.

This poem is also featured in Poetry World #16, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Keywords: labor, workers, bosses, profit

Previously published in United States Poetry Magazine:
The Shape of Clouds
by Doug Tanoury

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