The Way Things Ought To Be (Poverty) Poem by A. P. Hancock

Dedicated to All Our Homeless Friends Around the World

I saw my old friend Cal today, at the Church across the street
It’s not the one with pews and panes, but the place where we often eat
Cal was working some belles and beaus, who didn’t know his need
They thought he was trying to break in line, or do some underhanded deed

But that wasn’t Cal’s intent at all, he was asking for some change
I’d seen him doing it most every day, but to these folks it was strange
Strange because they never had, to beg or scrounge for a meal
Strange because they had rarely known, life other than life ideal

That’s the way it is with most of us, we’re rich and don’t even know
How many are living day to day, with hunger, strife and woe
We hear the news and read the stories, but turn a careless heart
Thinking that they could all do better, if they like we were smart

But I believe I’ve figured out, what Cal’s really asking for
It’s not the change from my pocket he wants, he’s after so much more
He’s looking for a change of heart, that sets both captives free
He’s looking for a change that changes things, to the way things ought to be