WHEN

You have lived a life of luxury I know nothing about

You have plenty of money, and all kinds of clout

I live in a ranch house on a couple acres of land

I drive a 30-year-old car that runs to beat the band

You wear expensive dresses, jewelry, and shoes

While jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes are what I choose

Your Husband and you drive the latest model cars

When guests visit your home you hand out Cuban cigars

I wouldn't know which fork to use at one of your fancy dinners

To your guests, my friends and I, would all be sinners

You would take us under your wing to try and make us better people

But when was the last time you actually sat under the church steeple?

© 2015 Suzanna Jayne Mullins

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i grew up battling this attitude...the upper middle class background...the appearances the perceptions...and what is really important...people and people's feeling...somehow lost in the economic din of the high society---

and damn, which fork is the salad fork? which is the shrimp fork?

apropos because we feel like insignificant shrimp around those people...or maybe they just look at us that way...

earthiness is worth embracing.

[SJ Mullins]

Thank you, Jacob. I totally agree. :)

[barleygirl]

I love this caustic message . . . which seems to be at the core of much social tension in the US lately. I am living this very attitude regarding some of my family, so I love the realistic details you use to flesh out the scenario . . . SHOWING instead of telling (good writing). Details make the difference for me & you've packed this poem with good ones.

[SJ Mullins]

Thank you very much, Sweetie. You are very good at giving reviews, and I so appreciate your honesty whether you agree with what I have written or not. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Suzanna. Honest and true words and thoughts.
"You would take us under your wing to try and make us better people
But when was the last time you actually sat under the church steeple?"
The above lines true and solid. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[SJ Mullins]

You're welcome, darlin'. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this poem and you are welcome.

[SJ Mullins]

You are very kind.