Life Interrupted

The inspiration for this poem came from things I have personally seen, stories I have heard and very importantly from a book by renowned Photo-journalist Don McCullin which I came across in 2010 (same year I wrote this poem). The book was titled ‘Life Interrupted’. It was a photographic exhibition of HIV/AIDS in Africa and to me, it clearly showed poverty’s role in it.

This poem is not meant to support/promote stereotypes.

This poem is meant to open our eyes to what many people are clueless about; something which has thrived since time immemorial despite best efforts. It’s things ordinary people face but which are more pronounced as a result of poverty. As you read through the poem, read slowly and let the first line continue to ricochet in your mind. Poverty is everywhere.

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Poverty is one of the worst sieges of humankind

Poverty is everywhere

It’s lack of sleep

It’s felt deep within

People actually rot in it.

It’s tears without emotion

It’s hunger without feeling

It’s a memory without events

Poverty is shared.

It’s love without showing it

It’s full of dry laughter

It’s togetherness for survival

It’s not survival of the fittest

It’s survival together

It’s kinda like sharing a slice of bread with a loved one

Poverty is a hunting bear

Its huge eyes staring out of clear sockets

Its bright eyes full of expectancy.

It is hope even in despair

It’s sharing moments together,

Not knowing tomorrow

It’s not worrying of tomorrow

But focusing on making today work

It’s hand to mouth

A little laughter, a little tear all in between

Poverty is full of sickness

The curable, the incurable

It’s full of despair and lost hope

It’s full of little shackles jammed together

It’s looking out wondering what’s next

It’s little kids smiling all through

Smiles that aren’t real

But is part of being a child

The line separating the poor and the rich

So thin and yet very distinctive

Very differentiating

Not allowing for a little mix

Or a little sharing

Poverty is… different

Poverty is simply life interrupted!

©Oreoluwa Matemilola 2017

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