Place,
country,
a space to live,
shelter,
security,
stability,
belonging,
a bed.

They all sound good, don’t they?
Fundamental to human need
and finding happiness,
and being free.

It’s what we wish for everyone:
rich,
poor,
old,
young,
those who need extra care,
singles,
couples,
families,
those on the edge of our society.

Yet in the political will
in which we invest our sacred trust
this
place to live,
affordable,
close,
liveable,
seems to be
of low interest indeed,
with muzzled talk
filtered through political speak.

Wake up,
wake up,
and see the need,
open up your sleepy eyes
all you who claim to lead
and see ahead to the
sort of country we
are and
have to be.

 

29/5/2023