Down Here Down here’s where two mothers meet, One new to pain, one weathered deep. Her little girl stands barefoot, trembling— Shoes long lost somewhere down the street.“Come here, child, take a seat, Let me wrap those cold, gray feet. Losing your shoes ain’t the worst you’ll see, But it’s not a thing you want to repeat.” First month out here on the sidewalk, Still waking up before the dawn. I keep thinking this is temporary, That soon my old life will come back on. Then one night by the underpass, A woman called me to her side. She said, “You’re fresh to being homeless— Let me help you swallow pride. She handed me a blanket thin as air, And half a sandwich from her sleeve. Said, “I’ve been down here a dozen winters, Learn to stay awake, learn when to leave. “You’ll meet the ones who can’t keep sober, They use meth to keep from sleep. Not for fun—just to stop the fear That crawls inside too deep.” “They crash so hard on fentanyl, It’s not escape, it’s mercy’s game. Out here, you chase a few hours peace, Not high—just numb from blame. “You used to think the rich ones cared,” she said, “Thought government would heal and feed. But here you are with us now, honey— Learning what they mean by greed. “The middle class believed in futures, Believed one day they’d rise and win. Now look—teachers, nurses, fathers, Lined up here with bruised old skin. “Out here, respect comes different. It’s who’s got soup and who can share. Those who once looked down their noses Find the poor are who still care. “I’ve seen mothers sell themselves for diapers, Men steal food to calm a child. But promise me you’ll stay your soul—Despair will make the sane go wild. “Learn the forest, live by wits. Cold rain will test your bones. Forget the world that judged you, Out here, mercy is your home. “And the rich? They see our faces Like stains they’re paid to scrub away. They’d spit in your hand before they’d feed you, And call it justice for your decay.” “They could end this pain with pocket change, But greed’s the god they understand. We beg for bread for newborn mouths, They tighten diamonds on their hands.” I heard her words and felt the truth— That comfort’s curtain hides our sight. You never see the edge beneath you Until you fall straight through the light. Now I tell the next lost mother, “Take her hand before you break. We’re the ones who still remember How to love for nothing’s sake.” Down Here Is where reality lives and dies . Down Here is where you learn all the lies Look around you please, please open your eyes Down here is where all your old dreams came to die . Look around you, please , please believe your eyes

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