Oakley Parker

The truth about poverty

Poetry is a way I can express myself even when I’m going hungry

But hunger is not the topic I\'m here to cover.

The topic is that there’s this sort of logic that children are in control of their socioeconomics.

 

A child’s “social class” is like Florida’s weather forecast.

Looks like it’s sunny with 73% no money. 

Never predictable and always jurisdictional

 

These children who are in foster care were not given a choice

These children who don’t have a voice because their parents can’t be employed

Come on everyone, we need to make some noise for,

These children who don’t get the chance at a life without having to worry about finance

These children who experience the impacts firsthand of poverty.

 

Poverty… Poverty… A place without equality. This movie that we’re seeing on the big screen isn’t a comedy. 

It’s a horror film. You don’t have to look hard to see it. I can absolutely guarantee it. 

That poverty really does exist regardless of how much you’ve seen in your own little crowd.

All you have to do is look around. Outside on the ground, you can see children who aren’t allowed to have the basic rights like to be housed and instead are confined to a little compound.

 

Oh can’t you hear their cries, it’s full of goodbyes. 

Cries in their loved one’s arms. They\'re so weak on their knees. crawing, weeping, wailing, whimpering, bawling. 

 

Sorry for my tone, some of you may find it appalling.

But please take note that this is no small thing.

It’s a problem always occurring. A problem we can’t fix.

 

And you may wonder why I speak of a problem with no solution. And that’s because I\'m trying to find some sort of resolution. 

That way we can take this and make this into a revolution for those who don’t already have a voice. For those who already don’t have a choice. Because in a world full of so much noise you need to have a sort of outspokenness to promote justice. 

So I stand here before you. Advocating for the few. The few who are stuck in a life of poverty and living without equality. 

 

So get your hands together and clap, stomp, and snap

For those impoverished persons and then, perhaps

Perhaps we could make a difference in a world of children full of innocence.

and maybe then maybe we could realize that these children are the ones who will make a difference.