Crisis Economics In Three Parts

Crisis Economics in Three Parts

I.

Supply and demand. You have learned there are two things in supply and three in demand. You walk to the market with only your adolescent body and a locked front door. You ask the salesman whether he stocks safety, compassion, or at least a birthday cake. Supply is low. Demand is high. You cannot afford this. You wish that pocket lint and welts operated as currency.

II.

Prices depend on preferences. But sometimes gold and pyrite look the same to the unfocused eye. A miner sifts you out of the river and holds you to the light. You do not know whether you are gold or pyrite – all you know is that this man’s eyes eat at your glimmer. But this hand feels more comforting than the rush of drowning. Yes, even if these eyes judge you, even if this hand pockets you for later.

III.

Information is a resource. Was it the first drink he threw in your face? Or was it the first time you spilled a drink and didn’t profusely apologize to the imagined raised hands and voices? That bystander who intervened – did he teach you that men too, could show compassion? When did you learn how fools handled gold? When did you learn the agency of your supply and the power of your demand? Can you put a value on the knowledge that safety and happiness could be yours to hold?

Is that how you escaped it all?

~

Author's Note

This poem was inspired by and written about the struggles my mother experienced in her formative years. I will forever be proud of her for breaking away the cycles of abuse that plagued her, and teaching me that above everything, kindness is the legacy we should strive to leave. This message has imprinted itself in much of my writing.

This poem was originally published by Bourgeon Magazine (Online) along with two other of my poems in April 2021.