VOTE FOR ME, VOTE FOR ME

I am the unemployed factory worker
shivering in the apartment
where the utilities are not shut off,
holding the worn out campaign pamphlet
of candidate voted for who promised
to improve the economy, but nothing changed.

I am the eight year old girl
who sits at home with doors locked
after school because single parent mom
working two jobs still can’t afford child care
and this same elected official
was part of those who decide to eliminate
government assistance for child care in her city.

I am the senior citizen unable to buy enough food
on pension, not sure how will survive next month,
words spoken when shaking hand of man elected
during photo opportunity at senior citizen center
still ring in ears from his help in closing it due to cost increase.

In the office of the man who wooed his constitutes
sits the success of rhetoric and media spins
called himself a servant of the people,
but meant those who had a lobbyist’s needs,
the droning pain of “vote for me, vote for me”
coming from the conscience
by those in his district he tries so hard to forget
until next campaign
when again he’ll visit those who ignored
with flowers of assurances
that will wilt before they bloom.