avatarJenny Justice

Summary

The poem "The Nicest of Things" by Jenny Justice reflects on the societal disparities in access to basic human needs and the impact of privilege on well-being and life satisfaction.

Abstract

"The Nicest of Things" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the disparities between those who have access to fundamental human rights, such as healthcare, housing, and nutrition, and those who struggle without them. The poem emphasizes that these basic necessities are not just commodities but essential elements that contribute to a person's physical, mental, and emotional health. It suggests that having these essentials goes beyond mere survival; it allows individuals to thrive, fostering peace of mind, strong relationships, and overall well-being. The poem critiques the societal structures that create haves and have-nots, highlighting that privilege often blinds those who have "the nicest of things" to the struggles of those without. It calls for a world where everyone has equitable access to these basics, advocating for a society where no one is deemed less human or deserving of suffering due to their socioeconomic status.

Opinions

  • The author believes that access to fundamental needs like fresh air, clean water, housing, healthcare, and leisure is a right that should be afforded to everyone, not just a privilege for the few.
  • There is a clear opinion that societal inequalities lead to a division in life experiences, with the privileged often oblivious to the daily struggles of the less fortunate.
  • The poem suggests that the stress and anxiety experienced by those lacking basic necessities are exacerbated by systemic issues, including inadequate healthcare, financial insecurity, and social injustices.
  • It is implied that the current state of inequality is not only unjust but also preventable, with the potential for society to provide everyone with "the nicest of things" that contribute to a dignified life.
  • The author expresses that the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures, such as enjoying nature or engaging in self-care, should not be a luxury but a standard part of everyone's existence.
  • The poem conveys a sense of frustration and disappointment with the status quo, advocating for a more compassionate and equitable world where basic human rights are universally guaranteed.

The Nicest of Things

A Poem

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

And if you could have the nicest of things wouldn’t you look younger too wouldn’t you live longer wouldn’t you be in better shape wouldn’t you feel better if you could have these nicest of things not just lotions and potions or creams and vitamins but the nicest of things like fresh air clean water like housing like housing like housing like health care like leisure like therapy that is not dependent on what you can afford when you can afford it but that is consistent like the spinach and kale and like the eat local and like the organic and balanced nutrition like the just get some sunshine just take a walk just do some self care and like the nicest of things that folks can have which are the chances in life to experience the good things the things that let the mind feel peace and at ease the things that let relationships thrive the things that make it easy to be mindful make it easy to be namaste make it easy to relax and rest the nicest of things that give people that glow that can only come with being privileged and carefree that can only come with having little to worry about other than things that are — to those of us down here not with the nicest of things not with the stability of things not with the gentle and peace of things in ways that give us any form of support can only wonder at can only grasp at can only feel confusion at these little problems and tiny dramas that those who exist in the comfort of the nicest of things have to concern themselves over maybe what to have for dinner maybe where to go on vacation maybe which college to send their kid to or maybe sure the basics of illness and suffering and death and dying but these basics are cushioned with the nicest of things like options and healthcare and bills paid and time off and all of these things that give you all and it all and we all the best chance at the best outcomes wouldn’t you feel better about getting through the day if you did not have to wonder what might be going on inside of you because you cannot get to a doctor that will take you if you did not have to worry about cars that are one or two or three steps away from not working anymore if you did not have to worry about judgement and views and inequities in how your child experiences a day because of what is or is not in their lunchbox because of what is or is not new and in about their clothing because of what movies and games and toys and experiences they do or do not have if only we could all have each and every one of us the nicest of things the basics of things the human rights of things the food and shelter, the care and compassion, then no one would have it above them or below them or pushed onto them that they were less than that they deserved to suffer in stress and silence that they were not as human as the next person who does not even know appreciate feel or see that they are living lavish with the nicest of things.

Jenny Justice is a poet mom who longs to bring poetry to life in ways that spark empathy, connection, joy, and feeling. She loves writing love poems, climate change awareness poems, poems for kids, and of course, poems about poetry and poets. You can follow her on Medium and at Jenny Justice, Writer and support her poetry at Justice Poetic. You can also support her on Patreon and sign up for her poem a week newsletter here. Her first collection of poetry, Love in the Time of Climate Change was released on December 9, 2019.

Poetry
Poverty
Social Justice
Inequality
America
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