So, I was going through my computer & found some files from a few years ago. Amongst them, was this spoken word piece that I wrote for an Open Mic event in Southampton during the Winter of 2015. The audience loved it & I was asked to do more, but my depression got the better of me & I've not written much since.
Seeing as how homelessness is now more commonplace than it was back then, especially in the UK & my home town of Southampton, I thought I'd share this with you. Maybe it will inspire you to see if there's anything, no matter how small, you could do to combat this issue & help out someone less fortunate.
Jingle jangle, a clamour of sound.
I'm blinded, by all the lights hung around.
And I'm sickened, by all the ads that I see.
That only seem to propagate gluttony & greed.
At this time of year, when the weather is cold.
Have a thought for all people, the young & the old.
Who don't have a home, nice presents or tree,
Those who are thankful for just something to eat.
Who might not have a home, living out on the street.
Who only ask for a blanket, some shoes for their feet.
To keep themselves warm on those long winter nights,
Basic... human... rights.
So when you're sitting down to your Christmas meal
Spare a thought for those, who don't get to feel,
The warmth of a fire, or central heating
Let alone the taste of the food you're eating.
Cos for every hundred of you, there's someone who slipped through the system.
Our democratic, beaurocratic government missed them.
"That's not my problem!" some people say.
"Piss off!", "Get a job!", "Get outta my way!"
How'd that make you feel? If someone treated you that way?
Would you simply say thank you, and get on with your day?
I doubt it, so maybe, at this time of year,
You could be a little charitable, spread a little cheer.
To those with less than you, and that's a whole lot of people,
You don't have to be a saint, or pray under a steeple.
You just got to be human, and make a vow
To give to those who live without
The simple necesities, you & I take for granted
The fact that we don't, means our reality's slanted.
Next time you're in town, take a look around
And spare a thought for those people, who sleep on the ground.
Even if you're sat at home, you can use the internet,
Or make a call to Emmaus, Shelter, Crisis, Help the Homless.
And give a little more this Christmas, show that you care,
Each & every one of us here, has something to spare.
And with that, I'll bring these words to a close.
I hope that each & every one of you knows,
That you can make a difference, just a human touch.
Good night, Merry Christmas! Thank you very much.
Further information can be found, via the following links, for UK charities:
Thank you for reading & hopefully making a difference to people's lives <3
