In the House That Juan Built

To live under the cover
Of someone else’s number
And never relax long enough
To achieve quality slumber.
 
To live looking over your shoulder
Morning, noon and night
With every moment of your life
One step away from flight.
 
You look in the mirror and say
To yourself, in another tongue,
I know my skin and language
Will cause me to be stung.
 
You work hard and save
The economy from collapse each day,
Not sure if your employer
Will give you your pay.
 
For all the people who live
In the house that Juan built,
Think about what it must be like
For a human to wilt.
 
--Joe Navarro
©Copyright 2007