One In Ten

I am a one in ten

A number on a list

I am a one in ten

Even though I don't exist

Nobody knows me

But I'm always there

Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care

My arms enfold the dole queue

Malnutrition dulls my hair

My eyes are black and lifeless

With an underprivileged stare

I'm the beggar on the corner

Will no one spare a dime

I'm the child that never learns to read

Because no one spared the time

I am a one in ten

A number on a list

I am a one in ten

Even though I don't exist

Nobody knows me

But I'm always there

Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care

I'm the murderer and the victim

The license with the gun

I'm a sad and bruised old lady

In an ally in a slum

I'm a middle aged businessman

With chronic heart disease

I'm another teenage suicide

In a street that has no trees

I am a one in ten

A number on a list

I am a one in ten

Even though I don't exist

Nobody knows me

But I'm always there

Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care

I'm a starving third world mother

A refugee without a home

I'm a house wife hooked on Valium

I'm a pensioner alone

I'm a cancer ridden specter

Discovering the earth

I'm another hungry baby

I'm an accident of birth

I am a one in ten

A number on a list

I am a one in ten

Even though I don't exist

Nobody knows me

But I'm always there

Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care

I am a one in ten

A number on a list

I am a one in ten

Even though I don't exist

Nobody knows me

But I'm always there

Statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care