I was a teenage father then, with little money
My wife and I saved our lunch so our son could eat
And we went without a meal that day
As night approached we had hoped he would sleep until morning
And with every twist and turn he made, my anxiety rose and fell
But as toddlers do, he rose hungry
Rubbing circles on his belly
He was trying to be a big boy
Trying to control the desperation,
I saw in his eyes
I nodded to my wife
And gathered change from everywhere, anywhere
Between cushions and under couches
Closets, desk and cabinet drawers
And I was off to shop with newly found pocket change
Enough for instant noodles, kool aid, bread, and peanut butter
Even as I counted out the change, and people in line smirked and commented
The cashier and I knew I didn’t have enough
My eyes swelled, and I
Tried to control my desperation
She smiled and said, “well that’s just enough”
Bagged my food
And I left
Walking back to our little apartment
I will never forget that feeling
Emotion overcame me
Not embarrassment or shame
Just thankfulness
Just love
I’d do anything
For my boy
Further reading:
- World Food Day: extra unity – not money – would reduce deaths
- Footballer Rashford condemns child hunger in the UK
- World Poetry Day: Poetry X Hunger grabs the attention of distracted experts, politicians
