The long line of witnesses
appear before the appropriations subcommittee
telling the stories of their struggles
and how one agency or another
had helped them survive.

Every budget cut affects someone.
The powerful are always there
to make sure they get their share.

But speaking before a lawmaker
can be frightening to the disempowered,
the broken, the victim.

The activists find those
that are willing to speak
and can be coached.

They provide classes,
transportation and motivation.

Yet there is more to it than activists
seeking to keep the services they believe are important
funded.

The disempowered find a little power
and the broken find repair.

The chair thanks the witness
and reinforces the encouragement.

The legislator in the chambers
or the voter watching on TV
can hear something else
important.
Those who have been helped
saying thanks.