My friend Jennifer Spice has given me permission to publish her poem on 21st century poverty.
Poverty comes in many guises,
those suffering do their best to disguise it;
the stigma; the shame; the whispering names;
always from behind,
losing the game;
got no voice;
even less choice; day after day feels the same;
diet is poor; can barely afford;
health poorer,
often ignored;
stress levels high;
prices higher.
Christmas, ugh,
timing is flawed.
“Live ones best life”
feels like a joke;
kids hungry; can’t have;
because you are so broke.
Jennifer Spice 16.12.21
(£16.69 bank balance, 11 days til payday; 3 kids, 3 cats, a dog and myself to feed….3 days food in cupboards)… better get creative!
