social commentary
There's a rich history of poetry serving as social commentary, intended to inspire calls to action.
Is This a Rabbit Hutch Or An Apartment?
“Shut up. Yeah, you, up there!” I'm tired of pounding the ceiling with a broomstick. “Hello, Mike. I’ll get right to the point. Can you make the guy above me quiet down? I have to get up early for work, and he's banging on the floor—fucking! Get him a bed. Why am I calling you? You’re the landlord. Did you forget? Do not dare send your 'apartment manager' brother—he stole my antique Christmas ornaments, remember? I got them back after you both said they were taken to the dump, and then they suddenly reappeared when I wouldn't pay the rent. I’m not paying rent until this noise problem is fixed."
By Andrea Corwin 8 months ago in Poets
This Is Not Sustainable
I am exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. I take care of everything every day. There is no break. There is no backup. No one is consistently showing up for me. The person I should be able to rely on is inconsistent. I cannot depend on him for stability, support, or relief. I adjust constantly to what he does or does not do. My needs are minimized. When I speak, I am not truly heard. My inner world is not acknowledged. My concerns are dismissed or reduced to something small. I do not feel supported emotionally. I handle my feelings alone. No one is checking in on me in a meaningful way. There is no one carrying any part of this with me. I am tired from lack of sleep. I am tired of constant responsibility. I am tired of having no space to take care of myself. I do not have a support system. I do not have family I can rely on. I do not have consistent help. I am doing everything while being expected to need nothing. My financial future feels unstable. It is treated as if it does not matter. I carry the stress of it alone. I continue because I have to. I continue because my child depends on me. I continue even when I feel depleted. This is not sustainable. This is not balanced. This is not fair. I need support. I need consistency. I need to be acknowledged. I am not asking for too much. I am asking for what should already exist.
By Alicia Melnick 8 months ago in Poets
