Mom told us to hide
anywhere we could
because each week she knew
that he would do it.
We hid behind the couch
we hid behind a chair
hid behind anything
so when he got fed up of banging
and stared through the letterbox
he wouldn’t see us there.
We thought it such a game.
She always told us to be silent
not to say a word
because if the rent man heard us
he’d get even angrier and
shout threats
of police and of eviction
So she whispered to us
over and over
not to say a thing
but
our stomachs still insisted
on doing all the talking.
~*~
© Daydreamertoo *All rights reserved
*True story and, frequently all we had to eat was bread and gravy but, we can be victims all of our lives or, we can determine to lift ourselves up from it. Education is the key. Hunger is not just in other countries, it’s in yours, mine, everywhere.
Shared with Magpie Tales #137 It Must Be Time For Lunch Now, 1979, by Francesca Woodman
I spent a lot of time hiding behind the couch…painful memories…
I can just hear their tummies rumbling:(
You speak a great truth.
Wonderfully done, very true and very insightful.
Your Mag is incredibly creative … beautifully composed. I wonder how many times this scenario has played out … many I suspect.
Wow, i am flabbergasted, an exceptional piece of work. very powerful.. c
Wonderful! Hilarious finish. Thanks for this.
Hunger is constant companion to anyone whose been in poverty. A sense of innocence from the tone, but fear well-painted in the actions of the mother. The rent man seems like some kind of ogre too.
I liked this funny take on an otherwise sad photo!
wow. finally something clear, concise, and meaningful. You did what i aspired after and gave up on achieving. Gold star
So true, Bren. We have a lot of hunger in our midst!
Hiding just for a little food in ones stomach, sad state of affairs all over, but as you say can sink down into it or rise above it.
what a sad story… well written
Very nicely written!
Such a sad reality. The “game” ends for children with empty tummies.
yep..i felt it all…thank you.x
This struck a nerve..those growling stomachs can be really noisy ~
Good one Bren ~
This struck a nerve…those hungry stomachs can growl and be really noisy ~ Nice one Bren ~
Living on the edge is always a tough existence. My mother-in-law shared similar tales about the war, in south London. Children do have broad definitions of games. (Thank heavens!!) I enjoyed your expressive words, Bren and I thank you for sharing the memories. =D
I loved the message here … strong and perfect !!!
Very powerful– we’re a bit on same wave length today….xj
Excellent take on this Mag prompt…
A terrible situation.
a hard reality….hiding from the rent man and hoping the eviction notice did not come or that he could not deliver it….the stomachs talking, all too real for many living on what little they can….a fun game in a hard reality….
YES, and sadly more and more people go hungry here, as the System, so top-heavy, begins to topple. You took me there, behind the chair, stomach growling. Been there, too. Love your note about not remaining a victim, and lifting oneself up. As you have done, as I have done. Wonderfully gripping writing, kiddo.
This is stunningly perfect. An awkward phrase, but the only one I can utter after reading this. Hunger does indeed belong to all of us. Excellent, profound piece.