I'm The Fiddler On The Dole Poem by Kelvin Rush

I'm the fiddler on the dole working two days a week
I sign on every fortnight just to make ends meet
I've got to watch the pennies bills are on the way
I'm struggling like the many living from day to day

I buy the cheapest food frozen chips and bread
I look for past the sell-by date soggy fruit and veg
Forget about nutrition health is no concern
I can't escape attrition point of no return

I go to payday lenders I lie to get some cash
One thousand percent APR it's a right old little bash
I'm not worried about repayments
That's the last thing on my mind
My only concern is the present crisis
And how I can survive

These godforsaken thoughts I cannot stop the flow
My head explodes I've no control I must end the show
When I visit friends and family the same questions arise
Are you working yet what do you do all day
How on earth do you survive

I'm off to see my supplier a pound coin for fifty pee
Fake goods and tobacco a contraband cd
A little skunk from Fatso then off to watch tv
Off my head and wacko there's nothing in for tea

My life has been a struggle a never ending drama
It makes no difference what I do
I cannot change the karma
I must be suffering someone's pain
A punishment from the past
If things don't change I'll go insane
How long will this hell last

I must go to the food bank I haven't eaten for days
I always wear a big hat it covers my desperate face
They're always warm and friendly
Non-judgemental and kind
I don't know what I'd do without them
Probably curl up and die

I'm the fiddler on the dole working two days a week
What's the point of living when life is so cold and bleak