Cardboard

Desperation. 

Humiliation. 

A simple cardboard sign. 

"Let me be clear."

He isn't really here,

But he promises we'll be fine.

A widow--alone--

A father's headstone,

Leave children hungry.

"It'll be alright."

Don't listen to this lie.

Poverty isn't free.

A mother: a "whore."

Can't go to the store.

A roofless home for her boy.

"Hope for children."

He's a boogeyman

With the intent to destroy.

She'll hold it on the corner

Hoping they won't ignore her.

Instead, she's in the headline.

She stood in desperation,

Accepting humiliation,

But was killed by that cardboard sign.