John-Ward Leighton
CAN’T THINK OF A NAME FOR IT
Cates Park, Vancouver
Photo ©Copyright by John-Ward LeightonIt’s one of those grey bright days
and I seem to have no energy today.
Dreamed desperate dreams
and my ears are ringing.
Global warning
at the top of the agenda
for the chattering classes
while the working classes
worry about their jobs.
The economy is in the dumper
finally confirming that
the “market” will not
control itself
and any attempt to allow it
to run roughshod will
inevitably lead to disaster.
Well you can’t make poems
out of money
especially when you are out of money.
Songs from the thirties
will be recycled for this time
‘cause the hit tune of the hour is,
Brother can you spare a dime?
Unshaven men in dirty clothes
sing for spare change
throw in a quarter, loonie or twonie,
but don’t stand down wind.
Thank fate for placing you where it has
spare a dream for the middle class
breakfast in the cupboard
a warm bed
and shelter over your head
cause most of us are only one pay cheque
from the pavement.
Those ragged clothes and dirty faces
could be your future,
bad luck or the way things are supposed to be
won’t make much difference either way
there is no hero to save the day.
Shit happens,
but
I can’t think of a name for it.
©Copyright October 19, 2008 by John-Ward Leighton