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Open Poetry #24
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Loaves and Fishes (a budget with a twist)
| Open Poetry #24 |
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Loaves and Fishes (a budget with a twist) |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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Two hundred and just thirty two dollars every month. That's how much we had to spend-- and summer threatened lack of crutch. The kids would be home all the day-- we'd lost the grace of the free lunch. We did the math. It wasn't good. I watched my sister munch eraser of pencil away-- she shrugged--"I guess we have to crunch." No matter now. There's bills to pay and the figures seldom changed and kids? They just don't understand. Their stomachs just growl anyway. We were grateful for the help. Approval came from Uncle Sam. After weeks of just hungry standing there in line. "The fathers should provide support." "Yes." We nodded eagerly. "But our records do not find a current social security." My sister laughed but not amused, she asked, "You mean you can't find him?" The bitter lines grew etched on face-- "Try cellblock numbered 62." "You have fed HIM for three years." They gave her coupons in a book. That's how we gained our gratitude. * * * We tried to buy the things on sale. This wasn't always smooth to do. We didn't have a car, y'see, and ghetto stores are robbery-- they take advantage of the need-- they price the goods accordingly. I guess even charity must profit to succeed. * * * Each month we had the budget meet-- and made the list for groceries. Bags of chicken-- quartered legs-- and beans and beans and lotsa rice. We grew just what we could on fence and gawd it pissed me off when the drunks came from the bar and stole my mirliton. * * * We had to beg a ride each month-- not as easy as it sounds. No one wants the company of a food stamp hound. Associated guilt, it seems-- I still cringe to hear the sound of disgust from those in line watching those ahead with cards and piles of food upon the belt. I know, I know, remembering, "this will have to last a month." But my, it hurt to be so white. Respectable there in disguise. Once I looked away, behind, it hurt to see those stoic eyes doing what she had to do as the man behind me blew an exhale of exasperation. "There's my taxes. Gone to waste-- hell--" he cursed. "I want that break." He continued. I ground teeth. "Let them starve so this will cease." She had heard but wouldn't look. She pulled the coupons from her book. I nodded, trying to smile sweet but-yes-it's-true I took some glee when I paid my bill. I took the foodstamps from my purse shot him the finger joyfully, and pulled my shades down from my head to hide my raging tears. [This message has been edited by serenity blaze (12-19-2002 02:37 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved | |||
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
another well done write! What a story teller you are...and I admire that quality. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Thanks Dixie. This one? really DID bring back those hot tears. Won't lie. sigh. Hugs to you my late night/early morning poet friend.  |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggssssssss) Oh Karen, I can almost feel the intensity of those tears reading this, sweet friend, it can be so difficult growing up on a tight budget, but as long as a family remains close and dependable, anyone can perservere as you say this all to account with your masterful voice! (smiles) God Bless You, sweet friend, I love this, we all love you so much!n You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Karen, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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inkedgoddess Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392Ohio |
good story, liked the ending, what would we do without that finger? |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Seems like the ghosts of Christmas past have risen up to haunt you. And yet you have survived and can write about it. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
An amazing read. I had to go scrounge up the mirliton...but you knew I would...So which chapter of the book will this treasure be inserted into, hmm? |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Wow sweetie...this is stronger'n an acre of garlic!...and LOL @inkedgoddess....."that" finger is so handy fersure....for gesturing of course, picking your nose or for you gals in certain other areas.....(of thought of course) |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
and gawd it pissed me off when the drunks came from the bar and stole my mirliton. Oh, my. *S* This one is an overflowing basket of emotions... and then the ending just wrenches. Excellent write!!! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
The twisted saga continues, although I'm not entirely happy with this one. Critiquing myself here, I think the rhymes too trite for the subject matter...but, shrug. It is what it is. and oh, yes indeed, with a grin. My middle finger IS my friend. I've considered tattoes on both hands--a *raspberry* face on one for those moments that I spoke of above, and a smilie face on the other so I can cuddle with someone after...well, lemme stop, afore I type myself into trouble!  Thanks all. Think I'll go dredge some more through the memory bank. |
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