Hunger Poem by Buxton Shippy

Your stomach stretched thin
Your rib cage pronounced
A bewildered gaze tell your story
Where are your parents?
Where are your friends?
You are dying from hunger
And there are no outstretched hands

You were dealt losing cards
Although you played to win
Some will say it's because you sin

On your back you lay
Hands on belly
Dead but breathing still

What type of life you lived?
Have you ever smiled?
Ever laughed uncontrollably
Because you were filled with joy?
Ever been out on the town?
If you did it does not show
Your body does not tell
Of happy times
It says grief, loneliness, abandonment
And pain

Ever gazed at the sky?
Dreamed of greatness and significance?
A time without lack
Or bitterness?
Maybe so but your body disagrees
Hunger, hunger is what I see

What if you could dream again?
Hope again and laugh?
Would you?
Could you?
If you are going to die anyway
Why not just laugh?
Laugh uncontrollably

This is your last hour
Hunger wins
Cannot receive food now
Cannot digest
Thirst cannot be quenched now
So laugh
Laugh for the first time
Laugh!