Smile In Your Sleep

A poem about homelessness

The city sleeps

as rats run by

fighting for crumbs

(a lot like us)

and I start to wonder

but I no longer ask why.

 

It’s impossible to think

(or to accept)

with billions spent on wars

and tours

of the nicer sides of towns.

 

There’s plenty of food;

for those that can afford it

There’s plenty of houses;

even as more are emptied each day

There are plenty of clothes

hanging neatly in closets

of those who forget about us.

(or pretend we don’t exist)

 

My pockets are empty

but my spirits are high

I may not have a job

(or an address)

But I’ve got skills

and an iron will.

 

The strength it would take

to makes these things right

is less than that it takes

to fall asleep with a smile

on my face each night.

Reviews

[Luke Rawlings]

A beautiful piece, this one is by far one of the best I have read. The structure and language was simple but hit home. "I start to wonder/but I no longer ask why" is now my favourite quote. It is definitely thought provoking, I loved it. Well done! :D

[Siren]

This is wonderful. A friend of mine suggested I read it, and I'm glad. I often wish I had a spirit half as strong. Wishing you well, in all things. Great write.

[marie]

this makes me think of a missionary john-marc who has set out to do just that:) with the Lord:) great write:) love it:)

[Inda]

This is wonderful and full of hope, feels like reading a young revolutionary's journal. Great piece!

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

I love this review!

[Sam]

Good Job! Your details make a flow to your piece of writing! :)

[Astro]

Sadly, the poorest of the rich are still the kings of destitute. Your words hold weight, but people are arrogant, and egotistical at times and will always use their current state to identify themselves and distance themselves from others. I agree, foolish practices are made each day that continue the pain, and profit from it. More voices like your own will be THAT strength to lift us up. Good simple imagery to form a good social commentary.

[quinfinn]

i wanted to wait a while before commenting because i wanted to generate some response...i see you've had many reads and several reviews. this is awesome...and this poem explains why...great write my friend!

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you Quinn. I am honored by the responses and the positive reviews! You told me last week I would get a lot of feedback here but this is borderline overwhelming (in a good way)

[Andrew N. Farrens]

man, no joke, this is great. Poetry seemingly from the heart. Good s**t......

100/100

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thanks man! I appreciate it so much. It really does mean a lot

[minnie:)]

This is really good :p no joke, you made the imagery amazing, and the words just popped right off the page. :)
Loved the poem :)
~Minnie

[Leslie Philibert]

I admire your critical style, poetry should be about things, should have a go at the establishment...