Honey, We’re Poor

My Daddy worked hard all his life,
But never got ahead.
And all we had to eat each day
Was pinto beans and bread.

A child could never know that, though,
With fields to run and play.
With trees to climb and creeks to wade
And adventures every day.

Daddy talked to me one night
Before I started school.
He said, “You’ll do just fine, sweetheart,
Cause you’re nobody’s fool.”

“But kids will tease you some,” he said;
“And you need to realize.”
“Why, Daddy?” I asked him then
And tears came to his eyes.

“Cause you ain’t got nice things like them,
But you’re provided fer, just the same.
Honey, we’re poor,” my Daddy said,
Then bowed his head in shame.

“Poor is relative; I know that now
Because riches are to me
Sweet memories of my childhood days
And of Mom and Dad with me.

Published by Moleta McCarter