A picture of a poem inspired by the disparity in local real estate and home prices that was recently posted online has struck a chord with Vancouver residents.
It’s the second poem shared online that is signed with the hashtag OccupyShaughnessy.
The poem has really resonated with folks online, with many praising the “protest poetry.”
The poem appears to be attached to a real estate for sale sign on Osler Street, a prestigious Shaughnessy neighbourhood with very high-valued properties. It was initially posted to the Vancouver subreddit.
“For Sale on Osler St” is the title of the poem.
Two properties on Osler Street are currently for sale for $19+ million. But given the description of the property, it’s likely that the poem refers to 3402 Osler Street.
“This house costs twenty million dollars.
Twenty thousand square feet include
a heated driveway, six bedrooms,
ten bathrooms, an indoor pool,
a home theatre, a regular office,” the poem states.
3402 Osler Street ($19,990,000)
Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
The property at 3402 Osler Street features six bedrooms and ten bathrooms and has been listed since May. It was most recently assessed at $18,342,000.
The author of the poem describes in poetic detail what it would take for an average person to afford a house like it.
“But still, I do the math: at minimum wage,
this house would require more than two lifetimes
of earnings, assuming you can live without expenses—
and that would just be the down payment.”
“Moulded to fit elitists.”
Folks resonated with the poem’s content, with some praising the peaceful brand of protest and others sharing their thoughts about the Vancouver real estate environment.
One Redditor wrote, “As someone who was born and raised in Vancouver and been forced out due [to] the economy, the city has been moulded to fit elitists. They say that you need to be rich to live there, but who is going to work at the restaurants? Who is going to brew your morning coffees and cater your events?”
Another user said, “I love this quiet and eloquent protest.”
The poem led to a debate about wealth inequality, and there was some pushback in the Reddit thread, too.
“Protesting, what? Wealth? Shouldn’t we want to increase the amount of wealthy people and celebrate it?”
Someone responded, “Drastic wealth inequality isn’t helpful or worth celebrating for anyone.”
Comment
byu/-bankslie from discussion
invancouver
Some questioned the poet’s motive, while others said art, like poetry, doesn’t necessarily need a motive.
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byu/-bankslie from discussion
invancouver
Has the poem about Vancouver home prices provoked you in any way? Tell us in the comments.