Listen to the world’s best poetry read out loud.

Repurposing state benefit; 

granted, my gammy arm and leg can’t be resurrected, 

but they don’t count; two functioning limbs sufficient 

to find me fit for work and freedom from reliance  

on the public purse, all the means I need 

to gain paid employment. 

‘Give me wings’, I said, 

the levity lost on the assessor, 

who thinks it’s a short walk to the job centre. 

I asked for more evidence, 

the assessor looked askance 

as if I’d just refused a miracle, 

dug deep into the Gospel of the DWP*; 

‘We note you are able to take care of your…cat!’ 

True, as I live and breathe. 

* DWP – The Department for Work and Pensions