to the gas station girl: a response to poverty

if I had a name for you, I would use it
a way for our countries to heal their history, engage it
I would give you all the money I have in the world, if it would change anything
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I see you now, even from this side of the ocean
I think of all those like you here.

I wish our suburban comfort would be shaken
for us to hear you

my heart cries out to you, I long for my voice to follow
for those afraid to change their world, to act

for action to take place of the apathy in me, my neighbours, the country, the world

I wish one day we could feast with you at the table
this injustice to be mended

to the gas station girl
you have a name
let us learn it.

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:: written: April 22, 2011