Writer Unable to Earn a Living
for Nathaniel Beneby

talk about kicking you when you’re down

something unethical, immoral
about banks being able to, being allowed to

heap on top of what you owe
what you’re challenged to repay

interest on top of interest
late fees on top of late fees

hole you’re in, because unemployed
or for some other reason without income
being dug deeper and deeper

down and they're trampling upon you
mercilessly kicking you, stomping upon you

how could this be just

am I supposed to be inspired
to pitch up, kick up
or enter a bank with a gun, with bags to fill up

banks allowed to rob us
without having to draw a gun

right to rob us,
embedded in the fine print of contracts
we’re required to sign and do sign
without reading, to save time, to avoid tedium

when crunch time comes, what penalties to pay
through the nose to pay, to bleed

hold your head back even,
unable to stem the flow of life blood

every notebook I fill up, fill out
is a pint of blood, is a cup of tears
is a long distance runner sweating,
deep breathing


© Obediah Michael Smith, 2008
7:10 p.m. ? November, 2008