Jackson Free Press

Scooby "Angry Black Man" Rastus: "This poem titled 'Return of the Invisible Man: Observations of an Unemployed Poet' is my personal expression about black men, like me, experiencing the highest unemployment rate of all gender/race categories."

Once upon a time, I had a good job.
Life seemed secure and worry free.
Then came the surprise layoff.
Seems like everyone has a job except me.

I sat alone in my apartment in the dark and in shock,
Wondering to myself how could this be.
Then came along a negative thought.
Seems like everyone has a job except me.

I cried in anguish and anger.
I asked myself, "Why didn't I see
The signs of corporate restructuring."
Seems like everyone has a job except me.
I realize that I'm not the one and only one.
I know many other folk are in the same predicament indeed.
I wallow in shame as I claim unemployment.
I feel useless and unnecessary.

Nevertheless, I'm desperate, broke, but filled with great hope
In this selfish world and bad economy,
Waiting, and anticipating for an employer to make that call.
I need to have faith and believe.
And then came another negative thought.
Seems like everyone has a job except me.

And as I spend my last dollar at the grocery store,
The cashier smiles very nicely.
And the bagger says, "Have a nice day."
Seems like everyone has a job except me.