One parent, three children, wrapped in rags, a dingy shack
Slept together, head to feet, back to back
Cement rugged, fought for space, someone got smacked
Cement rugged, fought for space, someone got smacked
Stars shone, roof--torn tin
Rats crept, roach scurried, bed bugs stung
Heat raged, like a white flame, wearing patience thin
Roosters crowed, mouths yawned, arms stretched, bellies growled
Utilities unpaid, clothes sweat-drenched, cupboards bare
Mom’s cigarette lit, huffed and puffed, hungry children howled
A knock on the door, the first of the month, summer relief arrived
In the doorway, government man stood, with food, clothes, and cash
Door opened, his snout crinkled, lips thinned, turned about, left deprived
Without hesitation, mom chased, rabbit speed
The man halted, snatched the cigarette from chapped lips, and shouted
“You know the rules! No money for those who smoke weed.”
