the dirt under my nails

did you notice the fingernails filled with dirt

or the overworked body soaked with hurt

you told me you once walked in my shoes

but it seems now you haven’t the slightest clue

trying to console me after a 14 hour day

it mostly irritates me to hear you say

“you’re tired, i understand”

as you walk out with a $300,000 check in your hand

with a smirk on your face you say “i wish this was mine”

who’s money is it? 

it goes into an account linked to yours

when it rains, it really pours

i’m struggling just to get by

i feel like all i can do is cry

i’m just trying to keep my head above the waves

screaming “help me” – i need to be saved

you spend by the benjamins

never looking twice

while i’m counting my pennies

living off ramens and rice

but i won’t give up

i refuse to quit

i just need a quick breather

give me a minute to sit

but it’s all good

i’m going to make it, you see

i’m going to live a life of luxury

and it’s all because of me

i’m gathering up my thoughts

and wiping my pride off of the floor

my wings are getting huge

watch out, i’m about to soar

Reviews

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

Very well written, I know what it is to live off of beans, rice and ramen noodles. Counting pennies is not fun but it's important when you must survive poverty. Thank you for sharing. Debileah

[Angel's Lady]

while i'm counting my pennies
living off ramens and rice - Man, have I been there before! Generic mac-n-cheese and 5 lb boxes of fishsticks! haha
I liked this whole piece, mostly because I can soooooo relate! You very eloquently summed up a whole lot of other folks lives as well. Excellent write and a very good job! I do believe I will capture this in my Favorites to remind me that LIFE IS GOOD.

[EvesDaughter]

:) What a powerful write!
Some people have it made, and hey,
what can you do? But, the ones who
have to WORK and SACRIFICE are the
people who have character, a strong
sense of self, and a belief system that
is worth more than gold. I love this.