Hello everyone! Welcome to another Crap Poem as part of my COPE campaign.
This poem is one that will be relatable for so many people, including us. Unpleasant to read and write, the fact is many of us are truly struggling, and it’s a serious matter that needs attention before the challenges become irreversible.
My poem describes the effects of the cost of living crisis by looking at the impact on a fictional family. Though it’s a story, it’s based on real world scenarios that I’ve heard in documentaries and seen on the news. The facts that these problems are now at our doorstep is of huge concern.
I hope the people in charge can find a way to help everyone manage all this pretty fast, but if you need help and support you can find places to go on my mental health and suicide prevention support lines page.
Here’s the poem.
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Heat
Is that frost upon my car?
It’s melting like a lit cigar.
Can you see that woman breathing?
Pedestrians collective steaming.
Did I hear her just say snow?
Our last dusting weren’t long ago.
Heating, now? I can’t believe.
Our radiator needs a bleed.
Shut the window, keep heat in.
It’s money down the bloody bin.
I’m boiling now, let in some air.
My body temp ain’t playing fair.
Flipping heck, it’s cold again.
Turn the heating back on then.
Can you hear me are you up?
I’ll get you warm with a fresh cup.
Why is the boiler burning bright?
We can’t afford it. Money’s tight.
Okay, okay, I’ll turn it off.
I guess I’ll never shake this cough.
Daddy, daddy, we’re so cold.
Our bedroom wall is growing mould.
“200 quid to clean my wall?
food’s more important, overall”
Babe, can you look at the grill
It’s temperature is stuck on chill.
“You want a ton to fix my oven?
The kids need shoes, so that must govern”
Hiya babe, sorry to call,
but I don’t feel too good at all.
My chest is tight, I cannot breathe.
I cough so hard I start to heave.
Turn on the heat. I’m on my way.
Don’t worry whether work will pay.
Babe, where are you? Please respond
I’m home to wave my magic wand.
Babe, please answer. It’s okay
we’ll manage with time off today.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
As a doctor, it makes me cross.
Healthy patients end up here
Their broken bodies drowned by fear.
I understand financial strain
has left you feeling you’re to blame.
I see this almost every day.
Heat or eat? Choose who to pay.
You’re not at fault, I hope your pain
will one day let you live again.
Daddy, has Mum woken up?
Did doctors finish their checkup?
I’m sorry girls, I’m sad to say,
Mummy had to go away.
The cold had hurt her deep inside.
She passed away, though doctors tried.
One less income, two small kids.
Such reckless pain for lack of quids.
Be thankful if you can buy heating
and food-filled plates, ready for eating.
If people fill your home each night,
If tiredness is your only fight.
Such poverties affect our health.
If you’re rich, just share this wealth .
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Thanks for reading 💜
Creative Steph 