a jump beat
as it is said the proverbial beat goes on
and on it will
as there are those who are dying
and those who are starving
till all the energy to see is gone
and I drink another Jack and Coke
called by name
as stealing becomes common
for the survival of the self
we dance and strive for the next outrageousness
yet some won't have to chose between bread or soup
it will be chosen for them
as we pass a pipe of $60 and eight
the children run from police
and maybe one of us voluntarily gives up meat
as the corner woman lays on her back
and a jump beat begs the feet on
so that perhaps
we will not forget to rise
or move