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

[Mike Emil]

you need brandy and a typewriter HAI!!!

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank Ronald Reagan. He's the guy who cut funding for homeless shelters.

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Funding for homeless shelters has been cut by every president since too but shelters are hardly the answer. Ever spent time in one? There are 24 empty houses for every homeless person. Wit the average CEO making 3-400x times the average worker there is just no excuse.

[Souladareatease]

A wonderful write of ill society, penned excellent!!!

[gombeggar]

a lot of potential here

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you! I don't have any training so if you have any feedback or suggestions it would mean a lot to me. Thanks for the kind words.

[gombeggar]

to start with just read and keep writing...don't buy into that 'training' 2 much...just write write write

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you for that advice!

[Angel]

Why? Why are some people starving to death, while others throw food away? Why are there children sleeping in tents, or in shelters, while there are perfectly good houses going empty? Why?
There are more than enough resources in this old world to more than take care of every living thing on it...so why are these things so?
There is only one answer, and none of us wants to acknowledge it.
The answer is....our own greed.

Thank you for holding a mirror up so that we can all see ourselves just a bit more clearly...

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you for posing these questions. I am glad it elicited them. There are 24 empty houses in America for every homeless person. It is shameful and needs to change. Once you see that reflection, I hope it inspires you to help make changes. You'd be surprised how little it takes to really help a person in need.

[Lina Grey]

optimism. the ones who know the definition best are the ones who can't afford a dictionary. wonderful poem, this is :)

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you Lina! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[Lina Grey]

:)

[Robbie~xoxo~]

You have written an uplifting piece... to see the unfortunate circumstances and be positive about it is not easy... I show heart and the display of courage...
Well penned!

[Rita L. Sev]

You have eloquently penned a concept that I can only rant about. W are a society of plenty - but only some can enjoy it. So true, so unnecessary for it to be so. But your poem also calls the reader to appreciate the simple joys of an iron will and a smile. Well done!

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you Rita. I have done plenty of ranting myself, trust me! Thank you for the kind words!

[Jessica Gillitzer]

you really have some beautiful writing and there is no doubt left to your skills. I need to find the place described in the end of this. i don't have alot but why am i not more then happy with my little which is someone else's much if i gave it. Damn this is strong stuff, makes me think and feel so it is more then effective as art goes.
I'm Lovin' It.
< 3 Jessie

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

Thank you for this review! I have zero training in writing poetry and almost none in writing at all, so I am very encouraged by such positive feedback!

[Jessica Gillitzer]

You should be, you have a heart for it. i didn't decide that it's just my opinion. but i think other people will agree.
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