Thanks To Aunt Katie

Expectantly and nervously I sought an empty chair. Cousins I hadn’t seen for years Were already gathered there. We had come to hear the reading Of Great Aunt Katie’s final will. She had been left a wealthy widow By my mama’s Uncle Bill. We’d heard throughout the long years That our Uncle Bill was loaded. He was growing richer every day Until his heart exploded. Aunt Katie retreated from us After Uncle Bill had died. We heard that she was sorrowing And every day she cried. The lawyer cleared his husky throat Before he began the reading. He spoke to a captive audience, Which every word was heeding. I heard my name and was surprised At the very princely sum I would receive conditionally…. The conditions yet to come. When the lawyer finished reading All the bequests to the heirs, He told them the conditions Before inheritance was theirs. Each would be given money To be used for one in need. We’d have to wait for our bequests Until we’d finished our good deed. It was not to go to a charity Or individual that we’d known. The money must go to someone Who was struggling on his own. As the daughter of two teachers, I thought it might be fine To seek out a worthy student To fulfill this task of mine. The school principal was happy To tell me of a worthy lad Who was struggling in his schooling Without help from Mom and Dad. He’d won a scholarship for high grades But it wouldn’t be enough To pay all of his expenses. And it would be mighty tough To keep up with his studies In between his work and sleep. I awarded twenty-five thousand, Bargain with Aunt Kate to keep. The young man is now the owner Of an enviable degree, And a job in his profession With a future that’s debt free. He says he’ll pay it forward And I hope he surely will In gratitude to our Aunt Katie And her husband, Uncle Bill. For contest Help the Needy contest Won 2nd place