Consumer Greed


I hear your cries
in the stitches
of my garments.
Yet I silence them
with my vanity.

I would rather
spare my wallet
than spare your life.

I am a greedy consumer
bemoaning my meager salary
while you face a death sentence
earning yours.



©Susie Clevenger 2013
 Inspired after reading Jessica Kristie's
Barbed-Wire Butterflies
dVerse Poets Pub ~ Open Link Night ~ Week 79

Comments

Unknown said…
I quite liked this, not to heavy but spoke in tomes.. nicely scribed
January 16, 2013 at 2:53 AM
Brian Miller said…
ugh...i would rather spare my wallet than you...hard...we never really stop to think of where our clothes and other things come from or the conditions...great awareness write...
January 16, 2013 at 5:53 AM
Susan said…
ouch! tightly woven, an excellent poem
January 16, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Mary said…
Whew, Susie, your poem definitely packs a wallop with its message. So true that sometimes we don't think about the lives of those who make the 'inexpensive' clothes that we wear.

But also, on the other hand, let's say those particular factories were not located in those areas. Would these people working there be working at all? Perhaps not. So, I guess, the question is always for me.....which is worse? No easy answers.
January 16, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
OMG, what a fantastic poem! It hits straight to the heart. An important topic, Susie, and so well addressed. Its message will stay with me.
January 16, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Anonymous said…
i was gonna say don't go there with the consumerism and greed, don't forget merchandising...but you already went there...
January 16, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Dick Jones said…
Tough stuff, well punched! Poetry should take the gloves off more often.
January 16, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Tashtoo said…
Susie...almost makes me feel guilty for being me...I have learned so much thru Jessica's work...and have been compelled to do what I can to help her on her mission...thank you so much for your help, your support, and this amazing piece!
January 16, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Laurie Kolp said…
Wow... this is powerful... especially the ending.

Your book is on its way... I can't wait. = )
January 16, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Unknown said…
I spend lots of time looking for "made in" labels and adjusting my buying habits accordingly. This is a fairly new habit, and one that is actually saving me some money. I will not buy items produced in a few places.
January 16, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Mystic_Mom said…
Great write, and excellent points.
January 16, 2013 at 4:40 PM
Scarlet said…
This resonated sharply with me ~

I feel sad at the extent of our consumer greed,yet for many,it is their livelihood or even death sentence ~
January 16, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Susan H. McIntyre said…
This is a wonderful expression of what is happening without being heavy-handed. Well-written but even more important, it makes me think. I am in the process of lightening the load of goods in my life, and you have been an encouragement. Thank you for this wonderful poem!
February 9, 2013 at 12:29 PM
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