Pause For Poetry:
Michael Hawkes /22

This May Not Help

A poem by Michael Hawkes

It may not help to know you’re not alone;
That you’re one of many millions dangling by a phone
In seclusion, hiding, from hostile pheromones.

It may not help to know that you are one
Among the legions of the slave wage workers
Whose very livelihoods have gone.

It may not help to know that your politicians care,
With their fingers on the buttons that exacerbate despair,
That they’re on the up n’ up but only rarely fair and square.

It may not help to know that good people wish you well,
The ones assured of heaven, whose faith is like a veil,
Who offer prayer and scripture to support you in your cell.

It may not help to know that this shall also pass;
That many will survive, depending mostly on their class,
Though who succumbs, indeed, may die alone Alas!

It may not help if folks now fall for all the writings
On a wall where lies like icons still enthral,
And disregard the recent past.

18/02/21 – Hawkes

Feature image: Andrea Piacquadio – Pexels

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