Poverty Scholars Program: Poet Sam King's Reflection and Poem

Renowned poet, Union Alum and 2008 Unitas Award recipient, Susan Deborah King participated in the March Poverty Scholars Program Strategic Dialogue.  Read her reflection and new poem.

Before becoming involved in the Poverty Initiative, I could dream but could never quite believe that people from so many walks of life: people of different races and cultures, different classes and perspectives, different ages, speaking different languages and practicing a host of different vocations could truly join together in the cause of eliminating the brutal and degrading conditions of poverty suffered by too many world wide. I would have been skeptical that there could be a true sense of unity and oneness as we develop strategies to redress the injustices leading to individuals and families being trapped in cycles of despair and hopelessness, disease and even death.  But now I DO believe because I have seen through this movement the spirits of those this society has marginalized rise up with unprecedented dignity and strength. I have heard fearless, shame-shattering voices cry out hard truths with heart rending power. I have witnessed compassion, loving kindness of a purely biblical dimension and depth. I have felt the will for change, the imagination to act gather like a force of nature, so that now I have hope that the promised land of ALL having access to decent food, shelter, healthcare and quality of life may well be within our grasp. -Sam King

THE DREAM DEBUNKED

Why do we decide to strive not
    for all beings: bound wounds, a full bowl   
pillow, a roof, strong bonds
one to the other and time
to appreciate the music wind
plays with leaves, but
for climbing to the heaptop
to be number one, to be above
looking down on neighbors,
too far removed to hear,
theirs or they ours, the cries, the cries?