My Rights
by Jim Tabb
I have a right to work
- But I have no ID,
No phone,
No residence,
No transportation,
No references,
No clean clothes,
No place to wash or shave. And if I do find work,
I can’t cash my check.
I have a right to sleep
But no shelter is available,
and the city took my bedding.
I have a right to eat
- But I have no food or money.
I have a right to rest
- But not in public places.
I have a right to use a bathroom
- But no public toilets are available.
I have a right to vote
- But I can’t register without an address.
I have a right to sing
- But when I do I’m cited for public disturbance.
I have a right to use a library
- But I can’t get a card,
Can’t check out a book,
Can’t go on the Internet,
Without an ID and Address.
I have a right to live
But not in Marietta.
I’m Homeless
- At least I still have that Right!
They are still out there
(updated from a June post)