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

[icelandicblue]

We have a big banner in my school that says the best things in life aren't things. So true, but you can't enjoy the simple pleasures if you do not have shelter, food, clothing and love. We are a wasteful society and what we throw out could probably feed another nation. This is a good thought provoking poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Another poignat commentary on the inequalities of life and the things we let happen despite our power to prevent it.

[Derek ubuntu Dunham]

That last part is so key and something I hope gets addressed before it is too late.