For the BLACK and BLUE

SIXTH GRADE

I see you cry

I hear you curse

You’re always so tired

And running late

And mad

And yelling

I keep silent

I don’t want to make you angrier

I don’t want to add to your stress

By mentioning that I need money

For school lunches

Or school pictures

Or reeds for my saxophone for band

I’ll wait until tomorrow

I feel you hug me

I hear you say that you love me

And I know you do

But, Momma

I’m afraid for you

I know that you’re depressed

I know that money’s tight

I go to bed and worry about our rent payments, too

How I wish I could look up into the eyes of someone who’s not so scared

I don’t know how to help you, Momma

I’m just a child

And I’m learning life from you….

Parent’s Depression
July 15, 2003