Untitled #1 – a poem from ‘Same Boat?’
This poem by Grace Collins comes from 'Same Boat? Poems On Poverty And Lockdown', an anthology published today by Church Action On Poverty
worry
fear
worry
fear
round and round in my head
can’t sleep
can’t stop thinking
bills
eat
bills
eat
round and round in my head
the voices say, what should I do?
shut up
shut up!
hunger
shame
hunger
shame
round and round in my head
are they judging me?
I can’t ask for help
hope
guilt
hope
guilt
round and round in my head
food boxes
thanks
feed the kids
worry
fear
worry
fear
round and round in my head
every week
nothing changes
joy
understanding
joy
understanding
round and round in my head
a helping hand
no judgement passed
peace
relief
peace
relief!
When the food box arrived during the first week of lockdown, the feeling was of such relief. It was embarrassing to admit we needed help, but for us as a family, it was the inability to be able to book a delivery slot, and get hold of the essentials. As a carer I felt the weight of responsibly fell completely on my shoulders and it was such a relief to have that shared.