Wrong Number Day

Today must be wrong number day. Everyone keeps calling, giving me all their information in a five minute discourse, unable to find their case numbers, only to discover I'm not their caseworker (after researching their information) and I have to refer them elsewhere. WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?? MY NUMBER IS AN EXTENSION!

 

We Notice That Which is Unusual

They file past me
Slowly making their way
Through a painful life
Full of fear and uncertainty

Of whom does she speak?
Do I know them?
Have I seen them?
Do they live around here?

Yes. Everyone has.
Although you probably
Didn’t notice at the time.
Sometimes they are invisible.

This one holds a sign
At the corner by Publix.
He asks for spare change.
Will work for food.

Her job is near him
At 7-11 she cashiers
And works holidays for extra.
Need your house cleaned?

The small child sits at a desk
Next to your own daughter.
His clothes tattered and patched.
Have another pencil?

She’s trying to leave her husband
Shh! Don’t tell she’s here
He would beat her senseless.
What’s the number to the shelter?

And that one is from Cuba
She left three babes there
Relatives are caring for them.
Se habla espanol?

Every day I help them.
It’s the job that pays my bills.
But time brings insensitivity.
Stories no longer shock.

At first I truly saw them.
But then I stopped again.
They are everywhere.
We notice that which is unusual.