Editor’s Note: Below is a visionary New Year’s poem sent to the People’s Tribune by Maureen Taylor, chair of Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. Maureen and Marian Kramer post regularly on social media about what we can do to create a better world. Their posts are entitled, “Ask Welfare Rights.”
Together, We Can Redirect the Whole World
T’was days before the new year, and all thru the land,
The people were crying, they needed a hand –
Bread – milk- and soup were priced higher this year,
The cost of just living has been tainted with fear.
Ma & Pa in their jammies, make room for a few more,
Some sleep in the basement, all are frustrated to the core.
Thought they’d have places that they could afford,
Thought the money they saved was enough that they stored.
To move toward that dream of a quiet and happy life,
Why all this struggle, this turmoil, this strife?
Why can’t we get there, is the question of the day;
Something about this system, that stands in our way.
So the little ones wait for dear Santa to appear,
Not knowing that this time, Santa may not be near.
So Christmas doesn’t feel like it did in year’s past,
For grown-ups, we’re all trying to make a few good things last.
Paying rent and utilities that keep us afloat,
Seems harder to manage like we are in a sinking boat.
The way out of this nightmare is to change what’s ahead,
To keep up this system will find us all dead.
We don’t have to live with this sadness and blight,
Let’s treat each one better so we can have a good night.
We are working class families that can re-direct the whole world,
Change this system that can protect all boys and all girls.
Merry Christmas, Mr. & Mrs Santa and Happy New Year!
You can reach the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization at https://www.facebook.com/MWROdetroit/
