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