Thanksgiving (A Poem)

Thanksgiving is a bountiful feast. 
With way too many delectible treats. 
Dinner platters swimming in gravy. 
Eating more than enough for the whole damn navy. 

This feast could cost over a $100 for one day. 
That's not too high of a price to pay. 
But what about those who are down on their luck 
Without so much as a turkey toe to pluck?

For people on O W and O D S P
Celebrating with their families is where they’d like to be.
Instead they stay home alone, socially isolated
Being scorned, ridiculed and otherwise hated.

​Where is the dignity in scheduling their lives
Around food banks, soup kitchens, and dumpster dives?
It is disgusting that there is healthy food galore
With nothing but charity and leftovers for the poor.

Poverty reduction is not child's play.
Never mind what the government is willing to say.
Forming a strategy around wee children
Using them to build a political platform on

They know about the cycle of poverty
That it is chronic, pervasive and hereditary.
You need to start with the adults
If you seriously expect to get results.

Another $100 a month would make a huge difference
To O W and O D S P recipients.
It's high time you DO THE MATH
People on assistance can’t afford to take a bath.

Whoever defined the current rates based on needs
Has left the system open to too many discretionary deeds,
Like ignoring people's basic human rights.
Addressing them would greatly relieve their plights.
​
Let's give everyone the opportunity
To enjoy some stuffing and Thanksgiving turkey.
A Social Assistance Review is mandatory
To change the outcome of this thankless story.

By Cheryl Duggan
October 11th, 2009