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Open Poetry #47
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Thank you, Uncle Sam
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Thank you, Uncle Sam |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
No freebies for my babies. Not even in the government-give-away days of the 1970's. Headstart. Didn't seem like much to ask for. Don't think so. Their father works. (excuse his sweat) Even though we barely made it from paycheck to paycheck... most of the time. We had an old car that ran... sometimes. So every other day the girls and I walked to a park where I volunteered my time at a little pre-school so my children could learn. My Headstart. Probably better. Hard times. No free lunches. No special benefits or scholarships. Didn't fit the criteria for one reason or another. But I always knew that old saying was true. Cream rises to the top... and they did. When they started school I was able to return to work and school. The children watched and learned to be self-sufficient. They never stand begging for what they can earn. I am proud of my children and their children. And when I think about it I just want to say... "Thank you, Uncle Sam for everything... and nothing." Ida Werrett [This message has been edited by Marchmadness (08-24-2011 02:53 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2011 Ida Werrett - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I can appreciate this in so many ways... There's a bit of sardonic twist to this, like lime on the rim of a gin and tonic.  Enjoyed. |
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ebonygirl Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000California U.S.A |
Oh Ida! This one is spot on and so cool the way you painted pictures of your children and rightly being proud of them. Ms. E |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Ida, we come from the same world. I thought I had it bad when we were within 1/2 block of the kids that had the privilege of getting a ride on the bus to the school. For most of my middle and high school years, I walked home. The only reason I got a ride in the morning was because Dad was available to take us. My kids were growing up around the time of Headstart. Free lunches. Etc. If our family before and then could do without, what were we missing? PB&J was a staple. We/they certainly didn't grow fat on the couch. Want to grow a topic at a table among levels of generations? Talk about growing veggies to survive; plucking chickens for dinner; making wearable clothes out of feed sacks. Talk about finding bargains at GoodWill and how luxury was shopping at J. C. Pennay for a special occasion. For someone who loves to see bling in rainbows and star showers, I get tired of the manufactured obsolence that grows abundant in these last 30 years. Yet I know that if push came to shove, I have a daughter that could make a meatloaf out of bread if she has a mind to do so. And for that, some of them will survive. Yes, your poem speaks volumes! |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Good old Uncle Sam, who has forgotten who pays, or should I say, who he steals, his salary from. That's all I'll say politically, but I divorced him (Uncle Sam, not America) long ago. Great write!! j. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Clap.Clap. ~ Man who stands on toilet is high on pot. ~ |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
I think you have been a wonderful example of righteousness and honest commitment for your children and grandchildren, dear Ida. Great read. Love, Margherita |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
There you go, such a great message, Ida. |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Well said! I hear you! I agree completely. Recently my husband and I dug up a broken waterline by the highway. Granted, I looked like a mudhog, but it felt good to know that we were in the hole together, non obliging to an escavator or plumber. These are the times we laugh and cry together... and yes, cream does rise to the top. Very much enjoyed! miscellanea |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
"Their father works. (excuse his sweat) Even though we barely made it from paycheck to paycheck... most of the time." Wow what a powerful write. Loved it. JL |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Thank you all for reading and commenting on my little memory. I often think of that time. My husband and I were both born to older parents so when we were starting out our parents were either gone or unable to offer us any suport so we were pretty much on our own. I remember finally working up enough nerve to go to the school and ask if I could enroll my kids in the new Headstart Program that everyone was talking about. I was told they weren't eligible because my husband had a job though I knew there were people in the program that were much better off than we were. It was against my better judgement to expect something for nothing and that was the only "program" I had ever ask for in my life. ( and the last). |
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Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Ida, What you have written is repesentative of a vanishing breed. Those hard workers who make just enough to pay for those who don't, and so, end up making do with what's left. Brought back some memories, most of them good. Thanks. Doc |
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