Laying on a piece of tattered cardboard
her unkempt black hair covered
a sweet angelic face
“Chiclets,” she cried...
“chicle para un cuarto...”
“Gum for a quarter...”
Innocent cheeks mottled with dirt from yesterday
surrendered no sign of youthful intrigue
her unblemished heart held no hope for tomorrow
her frail body had been deceived...
“Chiclets,” she cried...
“chicle para un cuarto...”
“Gum for a quarter...”
A street corner child,
a product of misery...
her right leg purposefully maimed,
twisted beyond use, out of place...
“Chiclets,” she cried...
“chicle para un cuarto...”
“Gum for a quarter...”
Her deep brown eyes
had a story to tell
a tale of unspeakable pain
how she lay there by the hand of her father
to serve her family in financial gain...
“Chiclets,” she cried...
“chicle para un cuarto...”
“Gum for a quarter...”
**
“Compre por favor mi chicle para satisfacer a mi padre...”
“Ayude por favor a mi familia a comer esta noche...”
“Compre por favor mi chicle, ellos son solamente un cuarto...”
“Ayudeme por favor a evitar otra lucha...”
“Chiclets,” she cried...
“chicle para un cuarto...”
“Gum for a quarter...”
** Translation
Please buy my gum to please my father
Please help my family eat tonight
Please buy my gum they are only a quarter
Please help me avoid another fight.
From an actual account in Mexico
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Reviews of "Gum for a quarter (chicle para un cuarto)"
Reviewed by Birdie Houston (Reader)
Reviewed on February 27, 2003
Lori hi, let me say that this particular poem made me feel sad for the young girl and her family just thinking about it makes me hurt deep inside you painted a million pictures with this one write thank you
This moved me and made me ache for that angel child. Very good Lori, you just get better all of the time. I have noticed a great improvement in your poetry since I first 'met' you. Love you sweets!
Peace, Janet xoxoxoxo
Reviewed by Connie Hinnen Cook (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
This one sticks with me, Lori. You write straight to my heart. Thank you for the stark honesty in this.
touching, absolutely moved me to >tears <! super write, lori!! love, your friend, karen lynn. (((HUGS))) p.s.: i am glad you included the translation..i don't speak much in the way of spanish! thank you!!!!
lori...i've a lump in my throat, this was so sad and moving. thank you for touching me with this powerful write...you are truly an angel. (((HUGS))) and love, karla. :(
Reviewed by Madame X (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
Very touching and well written.
Reviewed by Dens Dreamweaver (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
Lori;
What a truly touching poem. I remember when I was a teen and we would go to Mexico often. You have truly captured this scene so vividly.
Reviewed by Gumby Pokey (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
Lori
you really captured the soul of this child
it is such a beautiful poem about such a sad subject
Felt the tears rising, so very sad and such a realistic poingnant description of the situation.
Reviewed by Energy Shifter (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
Loving and compassionate
Reviewed by No Longer Member (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
I was in Mexico and bought a Chicklet once. At that point I was surrounded by more Chicklet vendors, grabbing me, sticking their hands in my pockets for more money. I never got around to eating the gum.
a simple subject,a gum, yet deep in meaning. you present it well.. very good.
Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)
Reviewed on September 24, 2002
Lori
this is beautiful Chicklets are a product of mexico... I have 2 Mexican son - laws that is there favorite gum and I know of how they the children so beautiful and kind sell the chicklets just as you captured so well in this poem.. I love your style always so full of breathing life.. vivid..
Thanks Peggy
Reviewed by fare good (Reader)
Reviewed on September 23, 2002
Your work is beautiful and your spirit is as well, thank you for your comments, the spiritual pen which you use to write is a blessing to man. Thank you again my spiritual sister. Hope every thing is well with you. Peace
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
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This presents a stunning image of the strife and suffering that is so easily inflicted on the innocent. Thanx for sharing it.
Drkman
I am with everyone
on this piece...
Very moving...
This moved me and made me ache for that angel child. Very good Lori, you just get better all of the time. I have noticed a great improvement in your poetry since I first 'met' you. Love you sweets!
Peace, Janet xoxoxoxo
josie
What a truly touching poem. I remember when I was a teen and we would go to Mexico often. You have truly captured this scene so vividly.
you really captured the soul of this child
it is such a beautiful poem about such a sad subject
you are a saint/poetess - great combination
this is beautiful Chicklets are a product of mexico... I have 2 Mexican son - laws that is there favorite gum and I know of how they the children so beautiful and kind sell the chicklets just as you captured so well in this poem.. I love your style always so full of breathing life.. vivid..
Thanks Peggy