He Complained, She Survived

He complained that he had no hot water in his home because the water tank was broken.
She told him that her water came from a slough, which was five miles from her home.

He complained that his car had broken down and he had to take the bus to work.
She told him that she had to walk ten miles every day to market, where she sold a dozen eggs for fifty cents.

He complained that he had to buy his clothes from a second-hand store.
She picked her rags out of a garbage dump.

He complained that he ate leftovers twice a week.
She was lucky if she ate twice a week.

He complained that his bed was starting to sag in the middle.
She slept on a dirt floor.

He complained that his family was a burden and prevented him from enjoying life.
She had no family.

He complained that fear of losing what he had, was causing him stress and anxiety.
She had nothing.

He complained.

She survived.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Godwin Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 4:27 PM
Effective and moral-based writing! The drama unfolds truth. A good job. All the best ... CayCay
Pekrul Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 4:29 PM
Thank you CayCay. I guess we just need to be reminded from time to time.
Wanter Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 3:56 PM
This reminds me of an old saw, "I complained because I had no shoes, until I saw the man who had no feet," or something like that. It's a good lesson for us!
Pekrul Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 4:01 PM
Yes, I remember that saying. Funny though, I was not even thinking about that when I wrote this piece.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 12:45 PM
Well done. I almost want to fold this up and take it with me for those occasions and individuals for whom this be a proper smack of reality. Need I say it, 7 ;) xomo
Pekrul Avatar
March 16, 2017 at 1:29 PM
Thanks Maureen. We certainly do have a lot to be thankful for, unfortunately we so often take it for granted.
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