while
fighting to ignore
floating sounds
of drunken laughter
and music
as curses flow freely in spaces where
peace and love
should abide
her
braids askew
with dingy white bra strap
resting boldly on naked
shoulders strong enough to carry
Pain
gracefully/ silently/ repeatedly
not
head-lifted
or mind-full of dreams
she
waits her turn to
get cigarettes
give pleasure
go pick up
more shame
alone
amidst fallen strangers
in smoke tinged living room
w/ legs obstructing paths
to her corner spot
where
she prays for neglect
There are no mothers here.
"Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child"
A long way from/
Drafted.
an unwilling soldier
in a deadly battle called life
where bullets of poverty
injure daily
as
her blood spills unnoticed
in the sheets
She is becoming…
books lay unopened
beside empty gin bottles
and windows shake as
school bus passes
she
cannot go today
mama sleeps
babies need care
education waits
She is becoming…
he
offers her love
with his hands/fists
absence
it is familiar…
she accepts
She is becoming
pregnant
confused/unprepared
Full
We offer her
TANF
(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
food stamps
subsidized housing
in exchange for
dreams
esteem
dignity
freedom
She is becoming…
stripper
street-walker
shell-hardened
soul-less little girl
with grown-up exterior
covering polluted innocence
She has become…
Her yesterday.
Why are we surprised?