Raising Voices
Nov 21, 2021
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!
