The Empty Bowl
The blueberries were ready
The potatoes done
Elizabeth’s mouth watered
Dinner would be fun!
She sat at her place
At the well-scrubbed table
Fork at the ready
She was hungry and able.
Her father was worried
About the rent that was due
The crops had been meager
The season was through.
He loaded the wagon
With the spuds and the berries
And headed for town
Brow creased with old worries.
Through the window
She saw him drive down the lane
She looked down at her bowl
Hunger pains now in vain.
Her mother dabbed at her eyes
Damp eyes on her broom
Then she covered the bowl
And walked from the room.
Tom Crowley
August 23, 2015
Lincolnville Beach, Maine
No comments:
Post a Comment