The Provider

A pound of lunch meat kool-aid and a pack of crackers Stretched to fed every mouth and beak in that house Afterwards she’d scrap crumbs off plates, set aside some for the mouse When night came the schizophrenia would arise The struggle of defeat bled through her eyes Consumed by rage she’d lock and close her door Fearful eyed children summoned courage to save the woman they adore They tried and tried to save the woman they loved on the otherside Their only guide, their joy and pride, yet behind the door is where she would reside Next morning she’d unfasten her seclusion to find them asleep Gentle faces she’d see then fall to her knees to weep She’d rise because rising is what she did She provide because providing is was for her kids She love because loving is what she gave She would rise, provide, and love because she had lives to save