Forgotten Lives Poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

Forgotten lives.

Happiness is an odd thing I have been watching
a program called “Benefit Street” where poor people
try to make a living out of poverty and chaos
Roma, English, Irish and Polish people live there trying
to make a living out of old iron.

There are laughter and smile and occasionally anger
but they survive and now we want their dignity by
reducing any help by those who keep the nation
falling into utter despair.

Because one day soon they will come knocking on
your door throws you out and moves in. You can treat poor
people badly a long time, but not all the time
they will back and crush you and your privileges like
a smeared paper napkins flying in the wind