Trigger Warning:  Prostitution, Drugs

A Tale of Two Sidneys,

One mad and afraid.

Her daughter is ill, tiny feet in a maze.

This Sidney is fighting, screaming with her head underwater. She’s poor, stressed, and

Considering if her body could be used for barter.

The simplicity of poverty she doesn’t really mind – instead it’s the pressure of not paying bills on time.

Her daughter needs a tutor.

Though wise— she’s struggling in school.

All the child needs is a helping hand to find the missing study tool.

But good education cost money, even for a nine-year-old girl.

Selling drugs would surely help, to give her daughter a chance in the world.

But, she can’t do that. No, she’ll just have to wait

For something spectacular to fall into place.

Love for Sidney, this too is a factor.

Desperately she wants to find it, but she can’t escape the sound of her ex’s laughter.

Her agonies never end; her life an unchanging battle.

From day to day she’s whipped, driven by an imaginary shadow.

…

This occurs while another Sidney sits quietly. Her spirit so ever perfectly still.

Not caring for release, she knows money alone her woes will not heal.

Her desire is to be one with nature, and live around lots of trees.

Have an abundance of fresh air, thoughts free in the breeze.

At night she stares at the stars wishing life was simply fair,

freedom for her children– from society’s evil glare.

Success in studies does not equal greatness or character.

Sidney remembers Spartacus, a slave who silenced Roman laughter.

Yes, it is true that money is her goal. But, not at the expense of selling her soul.

At least not to past employers who cannot share or care in joy.

Three days they give you to grieve like you’ve only lost a toy.

Romantic love is not her focus, this Sidney’s main concern is the lack of humanity that’s been eaten up by locusts.

She has to do something. She’ll try her best to save the world.

She won’t quit lest the other Sidney die waiting in the stronghold.