Marie Circa 1926

Imperceptibly disappointed he smiled, tipped his hat and walked on Marie dreaded having to end the salesman’s eager speech with a negative reply Buying life insurance for her children was anticipating tragedy Money can’t be used to bargain with God and have my children returned to me Marie’s eight month old daughter died a short time later She worked so hard to save her baby, the only daughter she would ever know Once again the salesman returned but this time to taunt and mock You could have made some money but you didn’t buy insurance did you? Her teeth chattering in anger and disbelief at such unwarranted spite Marie shrieked you get out of here In the newspaper she read the salesman had hanged himself Marie felt responsible and very sorry His sacrifice didn’t bring Florence back They both lost By Suzanne Boyko June 1, 2021