(DDT: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

The Nobel prize, perverse nobility.
Born from destruction, spoils of war.
A chemist conjured grim toxicity,
Was gifted that guilt-stained reward.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

Fortuitous discovery:
Insecticide improves our lives.
The capitalist industry
Delivers bountiful supplies.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

An unintended consequence:
The compound lasts for centuries.
Up the food chain, prey ingests,
Corroding ovaries and breasts
With cancer, infertility.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

Short term success; expand ambitiously.
Gaslight resistance, disinform.
Lobby the state, assume authority.
Repudiate supposed harm.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

When banned, despite chicanery
Producers dump onto sea floor;
Ensures chemical legacy,
Far from disposed of, will endure.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

An unintended consequence:
The compound lasts for centuries.
Up the food chain, prey ingests,
Corroding ovaries and breasts
With cancer, infertility.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.