Thursday, April 22, 2021

The Starving Children- April 22 2021

 

The Starving Children

April 22 2021


You'll spoil your appetite, she barked

when we pestered her for snacks.

Children are starving in Africa

when we we poked at the overcooked liver,

turned up our noses

at brussels sprouts.

Or I slaved all day

over a hot stove,

and as a last resort

wait 'til your father gets home.

Who was exhausted after work

and the slog through rush hour traffic,

looking less the strict enforcer

than bewildered at all the fuss.


But we'd sit together around the table

and eat as one.

Late dinners

because our father's business

wouldn't run itself.


The dog lurked in the darkness,

padding around our legs

scavenging for scraps,

big brown eyes

gazing up imploringly.

She had an unerring instinct

for the weakest link,

and would perch her head on someone's knees

which was usually me.


Clearly, she had a big heart

and was eager to do her part

for the starving children,

hoovering up anything

before it hit the floor.


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