Sevgi Ikinci

In the Little Town

An Aotearoa teen

Went to a hairdresser

To ask for work.

The hairdresser was impressed 

By his interest

But advised him

It’d be better to learn

The basics first.

A day or two

Teen’s body was hanging

On a helpless tree, still.

The community of the little town

Discovered only after that

Teen had been to many shops

Only to leave in despair.

Remorse pervaded the town,

Incurable

Only if they knew…

Poverty is anguishing.

* This poem is not an inspiration but a real story of a teen in Aotearoa, which I have heard and deeply saddened by it. There was a very important thing missing in this teen's life and likely in many others; People who lived around him didn't know, didn't realise, didn't understand. This poem represents a few SDG subjects, such as reduced inequalities and good health & well-being. I chose poverty because the story came into our lives through this young person's job searching.