The No Show

I wrote this poem for folks living with disabilities whose aides have pulled a no show or whose funding has been cut off for help and for those who can't imagine being a person waiting for help that never comes


It is true what they say
There is work no one wants to do
That is why no one showed up
To feed you all day

The builders are out back
Their noise the only sound of life
Til they leave at dusk

By 5 am there still is no food no rest
Just echoes of hammers on nails
Chain saws buzzing
Floor planks dropping in place
Good work done proudly

By 8am the hammers are flying
The crew back on the job
They can build a room in weeks
But no one can show up to make you a sandwich
Or put you in bed

Don't be that way they say
Let the hammering drown out the rumble of your stomach
As you roll toward the window
Waiting for help that never comes

Copyright 2011 Ruth Harrigan