A Outstretched Hand

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