We are the Working Poor

We are the working poor,
we rise in the cold darkness before dawn
to begin another day
of laboring for survival.

Another day
of working two, three or more jobs
just to pay
for yesterday's
food, shelter or clothing.

We are the working poor,
we pray that our transportation remains reliable,
or the bus isn't too early,
or too late,
or doesn't miss our stop
so that after our first job
we're on time for the second,
then the third...

We are the working poor,
laboring for survival.