I originally wrote this as a song, but never got it recorded. Think old Tammy Wynette style when you read it.
HUNGER
BY JAN SIKES
I MET A MAN ON THE STREET JUST THIS MORNING.
HE HELD A SIGN THAT SAID, “HELP ME PLEASE.”
I STOPPED AND DROPPED A COIN IN THE CUP BESIDE HIS KNEE.
AND AS I TURNED, HE WHISPERED TEARFULLY,
HE SAID, “HUNGER WILL MAKE A MAN DO FOOLISH THINGS.
I ONCE HAD A WIFE, A HOME A FAMILY.
ENOUGH WAS NEVER GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.
I WANTED FAME AND FORTUNE – THOUGHT IT WOULD SET ME FREE.
I LOST A SENSE OF ALL REALITY.”
HUNGER WILL MAKE A MAN DO FOOLISH THINGS.
HE’LL TRADE HIS SOUL TO GRAB THE BRASS RING.
HE’LL LET WARM LOVE TURN COLD,
JUST TO TOUCH THE RICH MAN’S GOLD.
THEN, FIND HIMSELF BROKEN ALONE AND OLD.
SHE SAT SILENT, ALONE WITH TEARDROPS FALLING.
DIM LIGHTS OF THE BARROOM HID HER FACE.
I ORDERED HER A DRINK, HER SORROW TO ERASE.
SHE SAID, “I DON’T BELONG HERE IN THIS PLACE.
HUNGER WILL MAKE A GIRL DO FOOLISH THINGS.
I ONCE HAD A HOME, A MAN THAT TRUSTED.
HE GAVE ME ALL THE STABLE THINGS IN LIFE.
FOR YEARS I WAS A FAITHFUL, GOOD AND LOVING WIFE,
THEN WANTING WON AND NOW I PAY THE PRICE.”
HUNGER WILL MAKE A GIRL DO FOOLISH THINGS.
SHE’LL TRADE HER PRIDE FOR A ONE NIGHT FLING.
SHE’LL LET PASSION RULE HER HEAD, TAKE A LOVER TO HER BED
AND IN THE END, HER WORLD IS LEFT IN SHREDS.
HUNGER SURE CAN MAKE FOLKS DO FOOLISH THINGS.
I hope you enjoyed this poem/song. If you’d like to hear other songs I’ve written, they are on the CD, “I’ll Be Home When the Roses Bloom Again.” I’d be honored!
Writing and Music 
A sad song, Jan. There are all kinds of hunger, and they all seem to have far-reaching consequences. You capture that “fall” and the regret beautifully. ❤
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Thank you, Diana. It is an all-too-human condition. I appreciate your comment.
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Oh, thank you so much, Natalie, for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. Hugs!
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Amazing, Jan! Such a timeless, poignant message. Thanks so much for sharing your gift with us. Cheers! 🙂
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Thank you, Lizzie!
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Such powerful words Jan! Fabulous work.
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Oh, my goodness, Jan. I love this song with its powerful images. And the photo of you is beautiful, soulful. ♥
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Thank you, sweet Gwen, for stopping by and leaving such a beautiful comment!
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I just had a discussion with my two critique partners about writing lyrics. It’s an entirely different creature than writing stories, and one I have no talent for. These lyrics were amazing, Jan. Having recently struggled with helping a friend put lyrics together (we both abandoned it for those who are more skilled) I am amazed by your skill. Bravo!
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Oh, thank you, Mae! Your words made my heart soar!
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Interesting instrument.
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Rick couldn’t decide whether he wanted to call it a Gitjo or a Bantar. He decided on Gitjo. Thanks for stopping by.
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A man of many talents.
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That would have me bawling my eyes out if it were to become a song… well done, you!
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Awwwww, what a cool thing to say, Annette. Thank you!
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Great poem, Jan. Points out we should be satisfied with what we have. Lovely photo too.
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Thanks, John. Yes, the grass is always greener…
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Or the margaritas always bigger…..
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Good morning Jan- both the poem and sing were beautiful. You are so gifted and talented. You have s blessed Sunday. Love you.
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Thank you, Tonya. Your words mean so much to me. Hugs and have a wonderful Sunday. I am so happy you stopped by!
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I always loved when songs tell a story. You’re in your element, Jan. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs!
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Me too, Teagan. I love story songs. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs back to you and happy Sunday!
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These lyrics moved me with the truths of bad decisions. I liked both points of views and the regrets. I hope this gets made into a song Jan!
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Thank you, Denise. I appreciate your comment and so glad the words moved you. They moved me when I wrote them. I hope it gets made into a song one day too. 🙂 I appreciate you! Have a wonderful Sunday.
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Jan, these are incredible lyrics to Hunger! The introduction sets the tender sad scene perfectly and we are touched by the man’s story. The second stanza is inspired and shows what happened that led to both their downfalls. Wow! Do you think you’ll ever have a chance to record it? I sure hope so … it is great! Xx
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Thank you, Annika. I don’t have any idea if I’ll ever have a chance to record it, but you never know. I am thrilled that the lyrics touched you. I felt it was a “too-human” story. The grass is always greener until it isn’t. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs, sweet lady!
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