The News In Poetry Day 72: Street Criminal

http://m.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/24/met-police-rough-sleepers-possessions

Those vagabonds who beg for coins and food
I used to laugh at them, and walk away.
Back then, it didn’t feel like being rude
But now it gets more painful every day.

I’m on the streets, but dare not break the law
If I’m caught squatting, I could be arrested
And so I sleep upon a concrete floor
I’m cold and I am wet and I’m detested.

They came and said I made the street a mess
They took my blankets from me, and I’m sure
They think that I have crimes I should confess –
But all I’m guilty of is being poor.

It knocks me over, every single time:
What is and isn’t treated as a crime.

The News In Poetry Day 71: Identical

Owing to the inordinate amount of bus traveling I did today, this poem is inspired by the Metro (non-uk ppl: this is a free paper you get on the bus)

Down’s Syndrome twin refused help as brother is given grant

My brother has physiotherapy.
My muscles will weaken and waste without it

My brother has round the clock specialist care.
Mum will just have to do the best she can with me.

My brother has sensors incase he stops breathing.
They won’t find me until morning.

My brother is one of the lucky ones.
I’m cutting the deficit.

The News In Poetry Day 69: Rape Prevention 101

(Trigger warning for potential rape scenarios in this poem. )
I’m happy to note that “rape prevention” is starting to focus more on consent, along with the standard victim blamey “safety tips”. However, here’s my contribution, aimed at those who need it most.

http://www.middevonstar.co.uk/news/10409650.Rape_prevention_campaign_launched/

If her body looks fine in the dress that she’s wearing
Your dick might get hard, but there’s no need for staring.
The fact that she’s hot gives you no right to touch
Be polite and respectful: that’s not asking much!

If your girlfriend is drunk, or unconscious, tough luck:
That she didn’t say ‘no’ doesn’t mean you can fuck
You can’t threaten or hurt her so that she’ll agree:
If you don’t have consent, you’re a rapist, you see?

If you’ve pulled and you’re all the way down to your pants
With a beautiful lady who’s out for romance
If she changes her mind then you’ll just have to wait:
And yes, that’s even true if you paid for the date!

You will not die of blue-balls, your cock will not shrivel
Don’t fall for that tired old misogynist drivel
If you’d rather have sex with a girl screaming “no”
Than hold back till she’s ready, you’re lower than low.

The News In Poetry Day 68: The Truth About Text Message Surveillance

Heard this on today’s Democracy Now broadcast, but the story actually broke last week. http://m.democracynow.org/headlines/2013/5/17/34509

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The News in Poetry Day 67: Personal Ad

http://m.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/violent-men-a-woman-s-right-to-know-1-2936478

I’m tall dark and handsome and looking for fun
I like cosy nights in and days out in the sun.
And I might as well say, since you’re bound to find out:
My last girlfriend left cause I smacked her about.

I’m a family man, you got kids, well that’s fine,
The court order just says that I can’t go near mine.
But there’s no need to worry, my anger’s controlled
I’m sure you and the wee ones will do as you’re told!

But now future girlfriends can look up my past
When they see what I’m like, I don’t think it’ll last.
They say that forewarned is the best thing to be
For a woman who’s single, but what about ME?

Don’t I have the right to find love once again,
Though the last time I did, I caused terror and pain?
My rights are being trampled, it’s making me stressed!
But nobody cares when it’s me that’s oppressed!

The News in Poetry Day 67: Personal Ad

http://m.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/violent-men-a-woman-s-right-to-know-1-2936478

I’m tall dark and handsome and looking for fun
I like cosy nights in and days out in the sun.
And I might as well say, since you’re bound to find out:
My last girlfriend left cause I smacked her about.

I’m a family man, you got kids, well that’s fine,
The court order just says that I can’t go near mine.
But there’s no need to worry, my anger’s controlled
I’m sure you and the wee ones will do as you’re told!

But now future girlfriends can look up my past
When they see what I’m like, I don’t think it’ll last.
They say that forewarned is the best thing to be
For a woman who’s single, but what about ME?

Don’t I have the right to find love once again,
Though the last time I did, I caused terror and pain?
My rights are being trampled, it’s making me stressed!
But nobody cares when it’s me that’s oppressed!