Mama you tried, tried so hard,
to give us what we needed.
Welfare cases we were, but you
never gave up.
Standing in line and a smoke filled room
waiting for our little book of stamps.
Half-dead people on the corners
selling their stamps for cash.
Their children will go hungry
tonight, all to get high.
Riding the bus, looking down
at my feet as to not make contact
with eyes other than my own.
Shuffling into the assistance office
the people form a crowd,
with arms outstretched,
hands with open palms.
Can someone read their palms please?
Someone please read mine,
what will my future hold?
Mama you tried, tried so hard.
Author notes
life growing up in poverty
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Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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Nice write. There should be no humility in trying to take care of one's family. I know we all want to be self sufficient but we all need help once in a while.
Nice job and great emotion. -
AWWW
my eyes are tearing up. i totally relate, i like this a bunch, but it made me cry ahhhhhh
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beautifully written. my mom had a hard time raising us up. she had to depend on my late father to make money, sometimes she'd have to go to work part-time to support us. your poetry is gorgeous and touches my heart. thank you for sharing.
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but reading fates in palm is not good our religion
you know na sister
never think for it
its sin
by
the poet of hearts and beautiful words
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I like how you related the first and last sentece. That caught my eye.
I loved the story you told, sad though it may be. It's a good read. I could really get into it emotionaly. It made me sad. Was I supposed to feel sad? Hmm. Either way, I really enjoyed reading it, good job.
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thanks for the comment.
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Wow
This is awesome. It's filled with true emotion and saddening pain but it's good to read something like this from this point of view. You capture the emotions and set the scene perfectly. Thanks for sharing : )
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thanks for your comment!
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That is really heart-wrenchingly sad.
It was touching to read and it made me sad.
Good luck in the contest. -
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thanks for reading and your comment.
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I am suprised tell it like it is. I remember those days dragging my butt in there office to get help and how they downed ya as if your lazy. I can actually see your point them ones that get high though.
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thanks for reading and commenting!
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I"m almost speechless because I've seen that line, I've even stood in it. I've felt what you describe.The humiliation, embarrassment, the making you feel worthless and your children feel less than human because you need assistance.
All this done without knowing me or what brought me to this point. Then, I've watched those who abuse the system
and their children all in one swoop. why? As you've written all to get high. Those (God forgive me these thoughts) I could choke the life from. I worked six days a week, with three kids and sometimes ends didn't meet. Some never worked but seemed to live very lavishly and it pissed me the hell off. Am I ranting? Yes I am. Your poem is very good.
Yes, mama tried, tried so hard.I don't think this needs revising at all. Thank you for posting it. -
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thanks for oyur kind words and comment. thanks for reading.
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Wow.. I feel like crying, really. It's extremly sad..
"Their children will go hungry
tonight, all to get high."
Those line's.. just make me soo sad.. This is so great for capturing emotion. Gosh, I don't even know what to say.. Excellent. -
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thanks so much for your comment and kind words.
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