POETRY: Poverty, Why Do You Have a Hold on Me?

By Kassandra Colón

Freedom

A liberty that was granted on the receipt of immigration

Poverty

The fine script written on the back of the receipt

Questions

the many I ask as I analyze this unfortunate mess

Truly I ask, why does two hundred dollars more in rent grant me a life of luxury?

Why can’t $1,000 grant me a deck, a pool, and bar stools gazing out at a gorgeous view?

Why am I subjected to a tiny, rundown room with robbery and theft, and rats running around my bed?

Why do we always have to chase up a corporate ladder?

Why can't we make less and be served a silver platter?

Why am I subjected to a life where I live below my means?

What do you mean by "that's the way it's going to be"??

Why can't it be different?

Even for an instant.

Why do I have to buy the American Dream?

I can't even afford a degree.

That's what's unfortunate

Not me being less fortunate

I might not have much to my name in dollar signs

but that doesn't mean my worth should be taken away

I deserve the ability to be educated

to live safely

and breathe freely!

I guess that's why they call it a Dream,

while Freedom is a mindset,

and Poverty a Reality.

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Photo: Wix Media

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