Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate

I read your application
Of a scholarship
You said
The scholarship
Would help you
Get new stationery
You said
You long to have
New pencils

I remember
In grade school
I wrapped paper
Around pencil stubs
To make them last longer

That’s four decades ago
In China
Back then
A third world country

We are in 2023
You are in Australia
Facing the same poverty
I can’t help
But cry

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Author: Cassa Bassa

🇦🇺🇨🇳 inquisitive, observant, witty, a thinker, was a misfit child 😊

21 thoughts on “Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate”

  1. What a great piece, very creative and powerful using the pencil. Poverty is a worldwide problem and when you think about how much money a billion dollars is, for me I can’t even wrap my head around it. It is sad that things continue to happen in the world. Impossible for new couples just married to ever get a house. These are the things that tug at your heart in a powerful way. Thanks for sharing your beautiful poem Cassa. hugs and loves, Joni

    Liked by 1 person

  2. It is saddening. 😦 Poverty will soon kill many. I am sorry to hear the state of human beings. Thank you for sharing this Cassa. A thought to ponder on.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. It is distressing. Not knowing the situation I am only guessing that Government or private organisation assistance has not been sought. There are many ways to seek help, for childcare and schooling through to university studies. Even public libraries have free programs for children.

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      2. The Smith Family has learning for life program / scholarship to help school students, but they are not in every school. Children are ashamed of coming from low social economic background, they often feel they fall short of anything and not knowing why.

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      1. they use to say it was racial, now its everywhere, greedy politicians dividing and on this rich and poor, not taken care of folks, cold world, I appreciate your deepness

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