I had everything and luck: Rings of smoke
blown for me; sunlight safe inside the leaves
of cottonwoods; pure, simple harmonies
of church music, echoes of slave songs; scraps
of candy wrappers -- airborne. Everything.
Mother and father, brother, aunts, uncles;
chores and schoolwork and playtime. Everything.
I was given gloves against winter cold.
I was made to wear gloves when I gardened.
I was made to garden; taught to hold forks
in my left hand when cutting, in my right
when bringing food to my mouth. Everything.
I had clothes I was told not to wear outside;
a face you could clean up almost handsome;
I had friends to fight with and secrets, spread
all over the neighborhood; the best teachers,
white and colored. I'm not making this up.
I knew that I had everything. Still do.
Wonderful poem it is good we appreciate what we have. I like
Lucky you, maaaan! ! ! Many pray for it, labour for it, but still do not get it! Good composition! ! !
My grandmother used to say, Count your blessings. You do. Nice poem.
An eye opener to fully appreciate what we are blessed with instead of complainIng about our lives! Great poem!
I grew up south of you in Natchez.........I had everything, too. Unfortunately, I never knew it. I just assumed. I really like your work here. thank you, Robert
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Great poem. It's amazing how much of every day life we may take for granted. An easy ten for originality and style. God bless all poets-MJG.