doff

how oft we doff
our caps at those
who passing us
turn up their nose
bend, bow and scrape
to them that seem
to have escaped
connive and scheme
to join them there
above the fray
not realizing
that it was they
who used our backs
as steps to climb
they need us in
the muck and grime
or else they stand
upon thin air
we are the platform
and the stair
unless we rise
and let them fall
we shall remain
within their thrall