Value

It's a story but written as a poem

She was watching cartoon network
When there was a commercial about a new doll
It would weep and cry and blink its eyes

It would even talk and crawl

She saw they were selling for eighty dollars
She knew her piggy bank was a little low
She asked her folks if they would buy it
They both respectfully told her, "No!"

They told her that she'll have to work for it
Earn money by doing a bunch of chores
She took out the trash and even cut grass
And did so much more

It took her a month to make ten dollars
She kind of got frustrated and sad
Working was hard and oh so tiresome
Maybe I don't want that doll so bad

She saw the commercial once again
And it motivated her to keep on trying
She helped Mama pull weeds in the garden
It was so hot, she said she felt like dying

She was finally up to thirty-five dollars
She knew she was nearly half way there
And soon in a jiffy, she already had fifty
Her mom said, "I'm really proud of you dear!"

Her grandma too heard about her quest
She helped her feed her kitties and ducks
Then she whispered, "Do not tell your mama!"
She opened her hand and seen, "20 bucks

Another month went by so she added her savings
Her parents told her she had plenty for the doll
So they looked at each other and then at her
Said let's hop in the car and head to the mall     

Her dad told her he was really proud of her
That she learned the value of earning a dollar
Looking out the window at this stop light
She saw a mother and child struggling on a corner

She looked at her earnings then back at the strangers
She told her mom and dad that she changed her mind
She explained to them what she saw and wanted to help
With a tear in her eye, her mom said that would be fine

She took that stranger and her child some hot food
She gave them some blankets and the rest of her cash
The little homeless girl ran up to her and said, "Thank You!"
The little girl said, "You're welcome, it's all that I have"

Her dad was even more proud of his angel for helping
By bedtime she told them that she knew she did a good deed
He checked on her and could hear his baby crying
He told his wife he'd be right back, that he had to leave

The next morning she woke up, ready for breakfast
Her t.v. again was showing that one painful commercial
She went downstairs with her head down and frowning
Then smiled brightly when she saw that doll on the table!

by: James W. Mckay
June 22, 2023