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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (May 11, 2012)
street roots 10 May 11, 2012 Come The Rain Normal Like You By Denney Walker By Bonnie Smith Rain seeks the embrace of mother earth journeys the path of least resistance Why is there always a frown When there should be a smile? Flows untiringly to the sea by many tributaries destiny unfolding moment by moment foretold by the ages Why is the rain always coming down When you wish for one ray of sunlight? Why are the days always so long When the night is gone in a blink of an eye? Never resting, never questioning obeys only its own instincts Why does it seem that everyone has a place that they belong When I struggle so hard just to be noticed? Pounding rocks to dust, carving gashes on the face of its matriarch Why is it, that people who have much and all they need When they look at me, they wish me to suffer and bleed? Pulling, pushing, carrying, unteathered, and eroded victims to another abode to await the coming of another rain Why is the world always so cold and dreary When I awake, my eyes are red and bleary? Why am I doomed to be looked down upon When all I want is to be normal like you? Why are all these unanswered questions just floating around When they could just leave me alone? Why does my life have to be in complete disarray When all I want is a happiness that cannot be found? The Merchant of Death by Dan Shea Why am I blessed with talents that no one can see When all I am asking, is some acceptance? Bullets, bombs, and grenades made in the USA are the products we are best known for Why is it, that I’m stuck in this cycle When all I want is just to be free? The tears of fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are the by-products of these sales Why do you look at me, repulsed and disgusted When I didn’t ask for this, this destiny chose me? Pain and death the benefit of the buyer and profit the gain for the merchant Why can’t you see, I’m just trying to survice When all you see is just another street kid? What profit it our name but shame Why don’t you understand, we all aren’t made of money When you stand there and scoff, while I wait for the highest bid? Why don’t you just open your heart, maybe just a little When you see me sitting there, begging everyday? Why don’t you help me out, and give me a little pay When you read my sign, every word ringing true? Why can’t you see, it’s hard work that I do When I’m out here, just asking, begging, pleaing with you? Why don’t you stop pointing your nose in the air When I ask “Spare change?”, just acknowledge me there? Why does this world have to be so cruel and unfair When all I want is a dry place to sleep, and to wash my hair? Why am I doomed to be looked down upon When all I want is to be normal like you? Check out Street Roots Vendor Sam Al-Jondi's new book, "Code of Conduct." Al-Jondi writes about his experiences and offers a fresh perspective about the world we ive in. Over b million people worldwide vote for dignity over poverty when they buy street press. By doing so, they help vendors in 40 countries, selling over 100 different titles, to change their lives. In return, readers enjoy quality, independent journalism, in the knowledge that they've made a difference. Vote for Dignity. international Network ot Street Papers The books can be purchased at the Multnomah County Central Library on SW 10th Ave., on Kindle, Amazon, and for $10 through Street Roots at 211 NW Davis St Portland, OR 97209.
