Poverty’s Family Web
Hopes and dreams languish
Poverty’s sticky web holds members in place.
Impermanence and unpredictability
Define their movements.
Limited by stretched family dyamics
And precarious economic opportunities,
Downward mobility is
An ever-present danger.
Loyalty bonds taut
Make breakouts very difficult.
Escapees feel exhiliration
And pangs of guilt for those left behind.
Unfulfilled needs — equality, justice, extended
Kindness needs of those seen but unwanted.
Dedicated to those once caught in poverty’s web.