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 
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