Color Me Loved

I looked at this photo and the song “Color My World” from Chicago came to mind. The title of this poem is a spin off from the song’s title.The photo was seen on Facebook, artist not named.

Color Me Loved

We huddle beneath 

a dull grey sky.

It begins to rain softly 

but our old, faded blue umbrella 

keeps us mostly dry.

I snuggle between your knees 

for warmth and am comforted 

by the silky green velvet 

that hugs your legs. 

 

Gazing into the bottom 

of the empty can of baked beans, 

my stomach growls for more.

I use my finger to taste the last bit 

of the sweet smoky flavored 

brown liquid pretending I had

just finished eating a three course

meal, to stave off the feelings of

hunger that remain.

Cool clear drops of rain 

begin to slide off the wide brim 

of the umbrella splashing 

onto my hands and neck. 

Suddenly the pangs of hunger 

are replaced with an intense feeling

of love and belonging.

Soon I will drift off to sleep

in my mother’s arms.

Author's Note

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Your words and the picture say enough and more. Here, we sit at a table, lean back - replete, but leave gravy slices of carrot on our plate that might save a child's life. We discriminate.. we ignore the left behind, the apparently insignificant blessing of too much. Pain unseen by those who have no idea what too much means. That said, love is the warmest bandage of all. Removed, the pain of an empty stomach is agony, hurt lays open, the sting remains - a gentle hands lessens if only a moment. But even that reminds the skin that love is warmth, warmth is love.. is longer lasting than a pill, an injection. It doesn't annul the fever but .. makes for a lack of isolation. Someone cares. Your words make for debate and doing more than more that a penny in a tin means. Love should be incessant

Your poem and its meaning means more than a tome.

[Dara]

Thank you so much Emma! Your review alone is very beautifully written. The photo alone inspires insight and a need to express oneself.

I read and loved your poem ‘Desert Magic’ but did not seem to have a spot to make a comment in. I did want you to know how it touched the romantic in me and your words made me yearn for the desert that I love so well.

[Robert Haigh]

A sweet poem, even though it is tinged with sadness. Most of us in the western world take our freedoms for granted, along with the knowledge that our next meal is already waiting for us. Many people in this world are not so lucky. They may have love, but their future is far from certain. Poignant indeed!

[Dara]

You are so right. When you see what other people in the world are going through whatever problems we have are minuscule in comparison. It is wonderful to see your comments. Thank you for having a read and sharing your thoughts. Take care!

[Kerra]

This is such an emotional read, so heart tugging.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. I am glad it touched your heart.

[Unspoken poet]

This is so touching and it really speaks, so wonderfully written

[Dara]

Thank you so much. It’s wonderful to see you here.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love how you've portrayed the child's perspective in this. It speaks to the reader's heart...the compassionate way you unequivocally do. Beautifully done, Dara!

[Dara]

Hi Kelly! So good to see you again. I can’t imagine how people are surviving the pandemic amidst being homeless and hungry. A mother’s love can do wonders though. Praying that there is help out there for them. Thank you for stopping by. It has been too long. I have some catching up to do! Take care and stay safe.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You too, my friend!

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Dara, this is filled with rich emotion. The love of a child for his or her mother never dies. No one will ever love us the way our mother does/did. I needed to read this tonight. Just so heartfelt....so touching. Lydi**

[Dara]

It’s amazing how the love of a mother can protect and keep us from the pain of the outside world. They own little to nothing but have each other. An all too common scenario. I am so happy to see you and glad that my poem was able to reach you on that level. Please stay safe and take care during these trying days!

[Chris Shaw]

The difference between the have and the have nots. While some fret over when their new and very expensive designer shoes will be delivered, others have empty bellies. It amazes me how much money is wasted. How much is spent on vanity projects while many in the world are starving to death.
Powerful poem Dara. One that everyone should read, especially the politicians. All the best.

Chris

[Dara]

Most definitely! Maybe if the privileged walked a mile in those shoes they would understand. There seems to always be too much suffering in this world. This photo really stood out to me and I was drawn to write. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Take good care!
Dara

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome and keep well and take care yourself Dara. All the best.

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem dear Dara. Hunger killed millions still in our world. Few talk about it. I saw starvation in Africa. Sad part is. If USA would spend 10% of war budget. Could feed the world hungry and teach people how to farm better. Thank you for sharing the outstanding and worthwhile poetry.
Coyote

[Dara]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this tragic state of human affairs. Shame those people who are worth millions and billions can’t find it in their hearts to help solve the problem.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Dara.

[Orphic dreamer]

“ Cool clear drops of rain
begin to slide off the wide brim
of the umbrella splashing
onto my hands and neck.“
These lines are so pure and heavenly.
I absolutely adore all the details you have put into each line. The concept is wondrous, it needs more attention and this poem uniquely describes it's depth. So beautiful!

[Dara]

Your words have simply sent me over the moon. Thank you so much and also for your insight into the tragedy here.

[Paul Bell]

Hunger and love, polar opposites yet the picture paints a story.
In every major city, they'll be a mother starving, so her kids get a meal, yet we pretend this doesn't happen in the western world.

[Dara]

So very sad but true. This photo is but a sample of the travesty that is found all over the world. I so appreciate your insight into the fact that the mother is likely going hungry in order to feed her child. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!