Rent or Live Poem

Rent or live by Jasmon Jackson

Sometimes we see homeless people on the street and wonder how they got to where they are.

Then I remember I am not too far, from being where they are.

Sleeping on the street or in a car.

I know I work hard, went to school trying to get further.

Living every day is a fight to stay above water.

Having to choose between a roof or food, gas or lights, kids or life.

Working everyday just to sign it all away.

Affordable housing seems like a dream far away.

And don’t try to live on minimum wage there is no housing, no choice, no way.

Having kids means a bigger place, more money, little space, in a poor place.

One check away from losing your space, the pressure is on every day and always.

Affordable housing seems like a dream far away.

Seems like were all one step away from that homeless way.

Every check goes straight to rent

Don’t get to keep not one dime not one cent.

Treating yourself; that day has come and went.

Treating yourself is keeping a roof over your head.

Having somewhere to sleep, and a bed to lay your head.