Fast Food Sunday

Another fast food Sunday

Up at 7, no sleeping in, 
everyone gets a bath...hair parted,
always to the right.

Momma's got her best dress out,
black, with white flowers
faded and frayed at the edges,
no one will notice, 
that's what she tells herself
running her fingers over the delicate lace collar.
It was beautiful when she bought it
but that was some years ago. 
At least the white pumps aren't too scuffed.
Maybe next month she'll get a new dress. 
--Maybe--She said the same thing last month. 

She never cries about it, but I can see the tears,
she holds them back as I walk past her
to get last year's hand-me-downs from the dryer.

"Time to go," she says, grabbing her bible;
King James, worn and coming apart at the binding,
but a Bible should be well used, I think.  
She gives us each a pat on the head with it as we march past her,
single file and down the broken wooden steps
and into the car,
it starts on the third try.
At least we'll get there on time,

and listen to the preacher tell us 
how there is humility to be found in poverty...

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This isn't the most lyrical thing you've written, but the bumpy & slightly rushed feel goes perfectly with the content. Your poem not only describes, but the reading FEELS like this bumpy & rushed morning routine that is probably quite common for many poor folks. I remember how much my mom loved going to church becuz it's the only excuse she had for "dressing up" . . . even tho her Sunday best was a little shabby, just as you've described here. The best part of your writing are the many little everyday details that you describe so vividly, but that most writers forget to even see.

[James]

Thank you, that's a great compliment. I was really trying to take a shot a the church for telling us how much God loves the poor and making us feel like we were somehow lucky all while he was wearing the shiniest gold watch i ever saw.

[Deandra Dawn]

I love this because it tells a story of pain from a very real perspective. Mothers are humble and giving. They don't worry about themselves, only if everyone else is taken care of and happy. I really enjoyed this. The imagery was definitely there. I could imagine every aspect you described so easily.

[Shabeeh Haider]

What Is so good about this write is that it is so vivid that you can actually feel as if you are there.
Probably many such families that just manage to make end meet....and life goes on.

[Papaya]

They say that about all of life's hardships.
Character building... I guess in a way it is.
I like this little flash back to tougher times.

[James]

glad you enjoyed it.