A Outstretched Hand

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What will I do?
How will I survive?
If they only knew
How much I need…
The hamburger
Potatoes, carrots
All the corn they 
Never realize
Sustains me

Despite my shame
I hurry toward the line
Where I’ll hide my desire
My hunger, my yearning
Beneath shadowed eyes
Behind a shallow smile

What will I do?
How will I survive?
Do they not see
The worry in my eyes?

What will I do?
How will I survive?
If they don’t feed me
Will I turn to stealing?

What will I do?
How will I survive?
If they only knew…
How desperately I need
The groceries they give me
When I’m sure I haven’t a cent
To buy even a soda or chips

What will I do?
How will I survive?
Someday, someway, I’ll give back
Recompence for their kindness
Someday, someway, I’ll give back
A portion of this sustenance
To another who is in need
Of a second chance, a way to eat
A way to weather the storm
That comes before the sun

What will I do?
How will I survive?

I finally understand
I’ll always get by because there is
A helping hand, a friend
There at the counter 
Where the food bank sends
Hamburger, hotdog, potatoes
All the nourishment to help maintain
A life like mine, who has found
Tenderness in an outstretched hand





Panic at the Food Bank poetry contest
Sponsored by: Kai Michael Neumann
July 28, 2021

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 8/23/2021 4:15:00 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this helping experience of yours, vividly expressed. God bless you.
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Date: 8/22/2021 11:27:00 AM
You captured the feelings of many very effectively. A powerful yet heart touching write. Loved the ending lines. Congratulations on your well deserved win
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Date: 7/29/2021 1:43:00 AM
Great write, Gina, the repeated lines show the panic:) awesome job:)
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Date: 7/28/2021 4:37:00 PM
I really like this. It truly evokes the panic you feel. (or as that character). WELL DONE
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Date: 7/28/2021 12:34:00 PM
Its sad that many have to rely on food banks in the civilised world, my heart goes out to them, many there through no fault of their own. Tom
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