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Marge Tindal
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0 posted 2000-04-28 01:41 AM


Poverty's Child
~*Marge Tindal*~

On the streets of poverty
a child goes hungry tonight
while we sit the banquet of wealth
food bountiful in our sight

On the streets of poverty
a child is put to bed
no cover for warmth
no pillow for her head

Down the street wealth's daughter
lies slumbered in kisses with comfort of down
while poverty's child shivers until the morning comes
no kisses to ease her frown

Sun comes up on Ghetto's child
it's a hard reality day
tiny feet, cold and bare
greet the floor that way

The child of wealth is feather-tickled
from her slumbered dreams
carried on shoulders of love
to the family's morning scene

Poverty's child knows no box
of Kellogg's sugared delight
hard to remember when she last ate
but it sure wasn't last night

I would not deprive the child of wealth
of even one of these precious delights
I'd ask only that we remember
poverty's child did not ask for her plight

Next time you clean out the closet
of your child of privileged means
share the bounty with poverty's child
who also desires to live a dream

She didn't make her little bed
but she has to lie in it just the same
spare a prayer for the child
who has to wear poverty's name




 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


© Copyright 2000 Marge Tindal - All Rights Reserved
netswan
Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369
Washington
1 posted 2000-04-28 01:46 AM


Well thought out poem, and a great message
Marge  --  I hope many read it.

netswan


kristi
Junior Member
since 2000-04-24
Posts 33
Yulee, FL
2 posted 2000-04-28 02:03 AM


You've made me cry!  Beautiful poem.  It really made me stop and realize that my problems are pretty small.  Thank You.
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
3 posted 2000-04-28 02:34 AM


There you have it. In your last few lines you summarized what I see as the crux of the topic. I think its a common misconception that those who are in such dire straits need only "get a job." Or some such thing. But what of those unable to do so, or what of those such as your subject, whom has no way of making her situation better? Is it a childs fault? Of course not. Thanks lovey, for sharing this idea with us...  I hope it helps remind others that though this little girl can't do anything right now, we can!
amazon_lover
Member
since 2000-04-09
Posts 491
Dublin,Ireland
4 posted 2000-04-28 02:40 AM


Hi Marge
It was a bit sad to hear the plight of a child.I pray for the child to grow up wihtout any contempt for the world
Sincerely
A_L

PhaerieChild
Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787
Aloha, Oregon
5 posted 2000-04-28 02:49 AM


This makes me take stock of my blessings. I haven't much to complain about in the face of her life. She deserves so much more. Thanks for a "sharing" reminder
< !signature-->

 Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream.

Shawna R. Holder
Boise, Idaho




[This message has been edited by WildChild (edited 04-28-2000).]

Marge Tindal
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6 posted 2000-04-28 07:32 AM


NetSwan~
The tears on poverty's cheek continue to fall.  It is so difficult to dry them ...
but we all need to try harder.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Kristi~
If you cried for a child who cannot overcome her circumstances ... you've spent them well.

Christopher~
It is never easy for those who are caught in the web of poverty.  Our compassion should lead us to help when we can.  We'll never eradicate it ... but we often forget it exists.  And the child mired in it's pits are helpless to climb out ... so it continues it's vicious circle.
Thank you for the read.

AmazonLover~
I have seen 'poverty's child' grown ...
they are usually compassionate and caring.
If only they could climb out of the clutches of poverty ... but they don't know how.

WildChild~
When we 'take stock' of our blessings, we know how much we need to share.
Thank you for your thoughts.
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
7 posted 2000-04-28 07:51 AM


Marge~
A message that we all should listen to, thats the reality isn't it and there are so many little ones in desperate and lonely situations living in poverty  
Thanks for opening my eyes once more
Tracie~


 Keep all the windows of your mind open
Anne Rooks


Marge Tindal
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8 posted 2000-04-28 08:41 PM


Tracie~
The numbers of children and adults caught in the unfortunate web of poverty is sooooo huge.

Try as I might I can't reach them all.
But, I can and do try to help one child at a time.
If each of us tried to do just that ...
what a bright world this could be.
Thank you honey.
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

9 posted 2000-04-28 08:43 PM


It's very tragic how some children have to live, and you're right, it isn't their fault. Thanks for sharing this, Marge.

Denise

Marge Tindal
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10 posted 2000-04-29 10:31 AM


Denise~
Thank you, hon for the read.
No, it sure isn't ever their faults.

I just challenge everyone to give to one child who has a need ... and your life will change forever ... so will theirs.
Love ya'
~*Marge*~



 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


LoveBug
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11 posted 2000-04-29 10:56 AM


Marge, this is a touching poem, and so true. It's sad that in this land of bounty, children still go hungry. Thank you for reminding us.

 "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde

Martie
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2000-04-29 12:22 PM


Marge, poverty is a vicious circle that gives birth to itself again and again...without some sort of fix we will continue to see its tear stained face...Thanks for your big heart!
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
13 posted 2000-04-29 02:34 PM


Marge,
Bless you. *L* Sy

ESP
Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556
Floating gently on a cloud....
14 posted 2000-04-29 05:18 PM


Dear Marge,

If everyone had a heart as large as yours, the world would be a happier place...thank you for speaking on behalf of poverty's children. It is sad that they must lie on a bed that they didn't make...it isn't their fault, we have a duty to help them in anyway we can.

Love and hugs,
Lizzie


 "Poetry is the true expression of my soul, it is my ultimate means of communication. It is my rainbow of delight."

Aimster
Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC
15 posted 2000-04-29 05:22 PM


~Marge

this made me cry and smile at the same time. this was just so beautifully sad, if there can be such a thing! as someone pursuing a career that will deal with children, i am forever thankful that you posted this. so many people just do not realize the profound effects that poverty has on our children. most of us take for granted of our everythings...i am just as guilty. however with people on this earth with hearts as large as yours, perhaps we can be humbly reminded that not everthing is wonderful in the world. and then maybe we can team together to act upon it. just maybe.

take care and god bless!

amy  

Marge Tindal
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16 posted 2000-04-29 07:59 PM


Martie~
If only those who lead would understand that the key to the 'fix' for poverty is education and opportunity - we would be able to change the 'vicious circle'.
Thank you for the comments.

Seymour~
Oh, my friend - I thank you.
I have been blessed with enough to share and do what I can ... it will never be enough.

ESP~
Yes, I agree.  We do have a duty to help, but how many do ?  Not enough and so they suffer in hunger, cold and conditions we would rescue a dog from ... but not a child.
One of little girls I mentor has spent the night at my house ... and she asked me to spend the night at hers ... I did.  I lay awake all night wondering how this family could live ... and then I realized that it isn't 'living' ... it's merely existing.

When I asked this child what she likes best about school ... her answer was 'The heater and the smell of food in the cafeteria.'

Amy~
Honey, in your career you will meet so many who are in need.  Once you give of yourself you will be richer in spirit for the experience.  
I pray you find the 'team' to help them.

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments.
~*Marge*~



 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Marge Tindal
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17 posted 2000-04-29 08:03 PM


LoveBug~
I missed you in there, little one.
I thank you for your caring comments.
Youth groups across America could really make a difference in these childrens lives.
Thanks, hon.
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Rosemary J. Gwaltney
Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997
northern mountains, Idaho
18 posted 2000-04-29 08:12 PM


Marge - this is an excellent piece.  I have tried in vain to recall any time I ever had breakfast as a child, except when staying with relatives.  Nothing comes to mind, but horrible, wrenching hunger before the noon-bell rang at school.  Then it was a dry peanut-butter sandwich and water if there was no nickel for milk.  I still love peanut-butter, for the relief it gave my emptiness.  And for the sweet going-to-sleep it gave me when our apples were in season, and my mother would core one, and send me to bed with it stuffed with peanut-butter, to hold me until the next day's lunch.  Winter held no such relief.
~ ~ ~
The poverty you speak of is much worse than I ever knew, though.  I always had a home, and  a bed, however cold, though heavy with woolen ragged patchwork quilts.  Only dreadful to step out of, with those bare feet, to visit the bathroom in the 55 degree darkness my father carefully kept the furnace at, because there was no money to raise it higher.  I always had love.
~ ~ ~
You speak of poverty well.  If only everyone knew how to make just one child comfortable.  Society makes it so difficult.  You have a good way of keeping us all reminded.
~ ~ ~



[This message has been edited by Rosemary J. Gwaltney (edited 04-29-2000).]

Marge Tindal
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19 posted 2000-04-30 08:17 AM


RoseMary~
That you even have to remember those pangs of hunger, breaks my heart.

Yes, the poverty of which I write is more intense ... but that doesn't diminish your memories of how yours was.

Many of these children also have love ... it just doesn't comfort them in the cold and hunger.  

I don't have the world-wide answers, but I do firmly believe that the leaders we elect are not doing enough to attempt to eradicate poverty.
So in that absence, I challenge those that I can to make a difference in just one child's life ... now that we can do !
Bless you, Rosemary ... for your heart is tender.
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
20 posted 2000-05-01 05:19 PM


Oh Marge, I am so glad I did not miss this, it brings tears but that is what I think it should do, is make a mark so we remember the poem and take the effort to do something about this, you are so wonderful, you always look to helping others, thank you for being you.

Love  Cerenity

DiObear
Member
since 2000-04-30
Posts 66
Switzerland
21 posted 2000-05-01 06:00 PM


Marge,

I should have my teenage son read this the next time he asks for yet another extravagance!  (Unfortunately, he doesn't like poetry.  So sad)  

Anyway, thanks for the reminder to think of all children.

DiObear

Marge Tindal
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22 posted 2000-05-01 08:40 PM


Oh, Cerenity~
I'm glad you got to read it too.
We HAVE to help ... we just have to.
If each of us just help ONE CHILD ..
what a difference it would make.
Thank you for your heart too, hon.

DiObear~
Your son might just surprise you ...
give it a try !  I find that most of the
teens I work with are more than willing to
do their part in helping others less fortunate .

I work with one group that have dubbed themselves 'The Phantoms Of Mercy' ...
they are a group of 13-17 year olds that
donate a minimum of 4 hours a month to a variety of fund raising events to assist those less fortunate.  Oh, my the passion
for helping that these kids express would make your heart swell with pride for our generation of teens.

Goodness ... here I go again.
Thank you for the read ... glad it touched your heart.
Love to all ...
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


A.C.Turner
Member
since 2000-04-30
Posts 83
Reading, Pa.Home of Bardfest
23 posted 2000-05-01 08:50 PM


This is sad. I work as a cook at the children's home and I get bothered when they force kids on a diet. Some kids, when they're upset won't eat at all. The whole system sickens me at times. They treat some of the kids like prisoners. I don't like seeing kids go hungry. Thanks for the poem. Bless you. ACT.
First__Knight
Senior Member
since 1999-11-08
Posts 678

24 posted 2000-05-01 08:54 PM


I have always believed that you never miss what you never had.......and it is really a true statement in many ways......but I firmly believe that this is not always true in the needs of life verses the wants.....and with this in mind....Your poem has expressed this well.  In the words of the Father " What ever you do for the least of these....you have done for me."  God bless Marge

 A man does not love a woman because she is beautiful...But she is beautiful because he loves her.



Marge Tindal
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25 posted 2000-05-01 10:53 PM


ACT~
I can tell that your compassion for the children's needs goes beyond just your job.
And God bless them ... they have food and warmth ... but need loving arms to hold them.
I spent almost two years in a children's home when I was 6-8 years old.  Believe me, I know what they are going through.  
God bless their little hearts.  I wish I could take them all home with me.
Thank you for your comments.

David~
The needs far outweigh the wants with the children of poverty.  They ask so little ..
and that's usually what they get .. so little.
May God bless the compassionate hearts of those who can give to the needs of these children.

Thanks, David.  Sometimes I get so discouraged in working with and for them ...
and then those tender little arms reach out and give me a hug that makes it all worth while.
Love to all who have responded to this post.
I'll put it to bed now ...
I trust that it may have made a difference and touched a heart that will touch a child's life tomorrow.
~*Marge*~




 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


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