The Line

Patiently they stand in a line As it stretches a block or more For the food doled out to homeless, To the old, the young and the poor. I wonder how each came to be In that line that moves so slow. Each person has his own story Thought it’s one we may never know. One perhaps a hard working man With good job for whole adult life. Who lost his job in recession. He can’t care for children and wife. Medicine costs have been so high For the old man who has been ill. He and his wife have no money To buy food their hunger to still. There may have been a disaster That brought some to this sorry state. Many are only a pay check away From suffering very same fate. I hope when elections are over It matters not which side has won, The congressmen will remember There is a big job to be done. Hunger in America should Be first on the list not the last. Long lines waiting for donated food Must soon be a shame of the past. For Paula Swanson's "Line" contest 5th place