Look and see me

It’s cold at night,

Wrapped in my blanket.

I know I must fight

To keep this rare luxury.

I scavenge by day,

Shiver by night.

It doesn’t help when the police tell us to be on our way,

Out of my shelter and into the rain.

But even rain offers opportunity,

For I have a washing basin made by the drain.

Just another night for me,

Bearing through the pain.

People walk by and see me,

I know they do,

But do they really see

When they see the others too?

We are the few and many,

We are everywhere and nowhere.

We’ll take any scraps if you leave any -

We’re grateful for anything, even a penny.

Take a look at me,

Look at what you see,

For you are all better off,

Even the poor live a life of luxury.

The country around us is crumbling and

Soon there will be no difference between you and me.

So look even deeper,

Look even closer at what you see.

 

Progress through change, we will make the country better,

Foot by foot, letter by letter. 

Author's Note

A poem from one of my poetry books.