Any change

Being homeless is a state of affairs that many of us cannot imagine, but the perception and pleas for help may become lost in translation. This original, contemporary poem by London artist and poet, Elle Smith is called 'Any Change' and it certainly paints another perspective on homelessness:

Any Change

This wasn’t always

the reality of me.

Don’t believe what at first

you think you see.

Life can deal

bum cards to us all.

Leaving you sometimes

feeling forlorn.

Each day I ‘wander’

without much hope.

Any change for a coffee

or even a smoke.

The streets are never

an easy place.

Filled with inequality

and too much heartache.

We have much in common

you and me.

Both coming from

decent, loving family.

Some days I feel shame

about where I’m at.

Then quickly realize

that’s matter, not fact.

Any change for a bed

or even

a roof

over my head.

This is all that’s needed

when all is said.

Mobility from poverty

is like climbing a wall.

It’s easy to slip

when not equipped for a fall.

This feeling of isolation

is like fractured ice.

Cutting both ways

with apprehension and bias.

Assumption that you want

money for ‘dope’.

The only dream I have

is to get back hope.

Any change

is all..

that I ask for

and pray.

To make my life better

at the end of the day.

~~~

If you have enjoyed this contemporary poem called "Any Change" by Elle Smith, then do sign up to our mailing list. Alternatively, if you would like to commission a Poem by Elle, please use the contact us page to send your request today.