Change

Being homeless

Change (2008) 

 

I converse with newspapers 

That go dancing in the breeze 

Like some wind-blown spirit. 

Speaking loudly enough, 

But it’s only I who hear it; 

Where as my time-torn wardrobe 

Reflects holy and hallowed clothes, 

Granting me the right to speak 

To brothers who live on 4th and 5th street. 

To the countless n****s using  

Broke-down boxes for housing. 

Living amongst age riddled sages, 

Who shout silent truths  

That remain ageless  

And hold up signs foretelling when 

Our empty days will abruptly end. 

They make you question  

Whether or not they’re schizophrenic  

Because their rants don’t seem prophetic 

So you don’t make time to listen 

You’ve already wasted too many minutes 

So you quickly shuffle past 

In your Armani pants. 

With you Gucci shoes and gold chains 

Never having any doubts 

About why the worlds is this way 

Stepping over my decrepit body 

Is another moment that constitute 

Another uneventful day, 

Until I grab a hold of your leg 

And ask  

For the one thing that makes you afraid 

CHANGE!!!??? 

Reviews

[SpokenWord]

LOL this was really good. I didn't see the ending coming in that way. People in the city are afraid that someone will ask them for some change. too funny. Great write.

[Champagne]

"Never having any doubts, About why the worlds is this way". Yes, that is the problem. Nice.

[Vicki L.]

Very thought provoking. I like the last few lines of the poem that really seem to drive home the message. Good job.

[Lilly]

The imagery is amazing "I converse with newspapers / that go dancing in the breeze" "my time torn wardrobe". - these lines stood out to me.

This is powerful too. If only more people made the effort to care and not just think of themselves and their image all the time...

Great poem, really.