Crumbs of Comfort

Crumbs of Comfort

 

Crumbs of comfort

Spread real thin

 

Across a thick slice

Of imagined

 

Unleavened bread

Will have to do

 

At least for now

Me ma said

 

Before she shooed

Us all out the door

 

Another failed harvest

Was to blame

 

Three in a row

Made worse

 

Since father’s boat

Was lost at sea

 

Or at the very least 

As yet un-returned 

 

And ma she wept

Those dry silent tears

 

She never cussed tho

But shook her head

 

And wiped her cool

Calloused palms

 

Down the front

Of her pristine pinny

 

When less is even more

Than nowt

And bellies ache

And strangely swell

 

Regardless of these

So called crumbs of comfort

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Your muse has served you well here Neville, crumbs of comfort are better than none. This is a fine tribute to the many women past and present who have to put bread on the table in the absence of their menfolk, who may either have gone missing, died or found pastures new. I am reminded of both war time, fishermen, and current day. This is a timeless write and will have universal appeal. I especially liked the reference to cool calloused hands and the front of her pristine pinny. To feed hungry mouths when there is no money or harvest is a hardship of immense proportions. An excellent write.

Chris

[Neville]

Thank you Chris, you are very kind... I wrote this on the way back from the coast earlier today.. Neville :)

[Chris Shaw]

Impressed then :))

[Grace]

A reminder of my younger days when mum struggled to feed her family. I would imagine that many can relate to those times and even women of today too. Excellent. Grace.

[Neville]

Thank you my friend.. a much appreciated visit and comment..... Neville

[Samuel Dickens]

Excellent. How terrible that so much hunger is and has existed in the world while heartless folks with too much to eat look the other way. Many scorn the poor and blame them for their sad situation. They either don't know or don't care that some holes are too deep to climb out of. When young, Mother would sometimes serve cornmeal mush for breakfast--a sure sign that there was nothing else to feed us. Your poem exemplifies what it's like to be destitute and hungry.

[kentuck14]

Nev,
a wonderful narrative of a mother's love and a child's tribute. Recognized the word 'nowt' from watching Acorn TV. means nothing . . . right?
Tom

[Neville]

Many thanks Tom for the visit and kind words and yes, nowt means precisely that.. nothing

[Cherrie]

Heart breaking.
Ethiopia has a lullaby that tells the baby to sleep their hunger away.
A sad portrait that plagues so many.

[Neville]

Many thanks Cherrie....

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem told a story of life and struggle. I liked the story told and lessons we can learn from our parent and our elders. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Neville]

Thank you Johnnie C.. I always appreciate your visits my friend.... N

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think the comfort is having a loving parent...no matter how poor we are...we can survive if the love is strong enough...maybe on less crumbs...but the bread of life is family...
j.

[Neville]

Thank you jacob & so true..
N.

[barleygirl]

Definitely love it when you dance with your muse a little longer than usual. This story-in-versed seemed to climb in intensity as you went along. I admit, I started out expecting your oft-used flippant approach, but soon saw (& enjoyed) your serious message. Coincidentally, just last evening I watched the old classic movie Grapes of Wrath (living in Steinbeck country as I do). Twin wavelengths again! *wink! wink!* Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

Ah.. wot a classic that is...thanks Margie.. yep I can be serious occasionally.......maybe... NUGs to ya N :)