you don't forget poor

you don't forget poor.

or hunger,

or thirst.

you don't forget 

the ragged

clothes.

the shoes with holes.

you don't forget

the hot rooms

without air conditioning,

the radiators

clanging all night

with wet

heat.

you don't forget

the bugs, the mice.

the one bathroom

down the hall, a line,

six deep.

the leaks,

the drips from the roof.

the barking dog,

the broken screens

and windows,

the flies.

you don't forget

any of it, it sticks to you,

from cradle

to the grave,

beyond.