I AM...

I walk amongst you
I remain unseen
I am the beggars breath
The hopeless teen

I am the scruffy woman
With missing teeth
The drug addict
The so quick thief

I am the alcoholic
The refugee
The mental man
From whom we flee

I am the stain upon
The worldwide show
Prosperity prospers
I dwell below

I do not exist
Yet I pose vague threat
A strange unease
Marks out my steps

I am humanities illness
Societies dread
I am a wandering presence
I have no bed

But don't stop to trouble
Or help a hand
It is my own fault
Yes
I understand.

Marion Price
(2018)