there is the song
of sheaves of barley
the pauper, his blessing to glean
for there is such a thing
as cold and famine
so much of this thing
I have seen
there was such a time
when I thought myself beautiful
when I was loathe to eat
when I stood near lamp posts
pressed my body to walls
lest the wind lift me off of my feet
I believed beauty
to be a great blessing
something which I received
something for which
I could give thanks
an invite to do more than eat
there was that day
when I saw them walking
full and praising health
it would seem to be true
that being loved, eating food
is the sole true form of wealth
now I am as they
standing and strong
praying among the barley
well on my feet
these days, this famine
I have eyes that see
just an invite to do more than eat
2019 / NEED $ FOR FOOD / JEHAN SEMPER