A Family in Desperation

They were determined to stick together no matter what.

(I composed this after seeing a picture of a family of father, mother, and two small boys resting on the bare ground alongside a freight train.  They had their few possessions with them and were waiting for a chance to get a free ride, I assumed to where the father had better prospects of employment.  All of them were cheaply-dressed, but clean.  The father was going through his billfold, possibly counting their remaining cash.  The mother sat with her hand partly covering her face�"it seemed to me in exhaustion rather than shame.  The boys were too young to fully comprehend the situation, but sat quietly rather than playing as one might expect from children.)

 

A Family in Desperation

 

By Elton Camp

 

What series of events brought this about?

This family has seen better days, no doubt

A normal life they clearly once enjoyed

The father somehow became unemployed

 

A lesser man might have just walked away

Yet, with his own, this one chose to stay

Mother and wife might have given in to hate

She knew that her place was with her mate

 

A better chance they are leaving to gain

And hope to get a free ride on the train

It’s, to me, a picture of courage in despair

Of a family to which life has been unfair

 

Where will the four be able to sleep tonight?

Of supper will they get to share a single bite?

The final outcome who can possibly know

May they have success wherever they go