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Poverty's Child
| Open Poetry #7 |
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Poverty's Child |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores 
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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 |
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| © Copyright 2000 Marge Tindal - All Rights Reserved | |||
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netswan Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369Washington |
Well thought out poem, and a great message Marge -- I hope many read it. netswan |
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kristi Junior Member
since 2000-04-24
Posts 33Yulee, FL |
You've made me cry! Beautiful poem. It really made me stop and realize that my problems are pretty small. Thank You. |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
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! |
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amazon_lover Member
since 2000-04-09
Posts 491Dublin,Ireland |
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 |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
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).] |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
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 |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
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 |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
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 |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
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! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Marge, Bless you. *L* Sy |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
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." |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
~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  |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
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).] |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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Cerenity Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637Escondido-California |
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 |
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DiObear Member
since 2000-04-30
Posts 66Switzerland |
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 |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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 |
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A.C.Turner Member
since 2000-04-30
Posts 83Reading, Pa.Home of Bardfest |
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. |
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First__Knight Senior Member
since 1999-11-08
Posts 678 |
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. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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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