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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