Thread by @RevCBeckett

#poem #FreeSchoolMeals #Poverty

1/4

Little J is slow today
His shoes a size too small
& a bit too thin so the cold gets in,
& his eye's not on the ball.

Little J drops off in class
& his progress drops off too.
Mum works till 8 so his homework's late
& he never has a clue.

2

Little J's quiet in circle time:
Their week sounds fun, now yours?
But the bus was a quid to the clubs they did;
'Free' isn't, if you're poor.

Little J's stuck indoors at break:
He forgot his coat again
So how can he play with friends today
When he can't go out in the rain?

3

Little J eats his toast alone
Mum ate already, she said.
But the lies of love still aren't enough
To keep him warm and fed.

Little J is hunched & small
& his head aches every morning;
His stomach's growl makes him want to howl
& he's on his final warning...

4
Little J's school has a guest today
Whose grin & shoes are bright.
"Ask what we prepared & don't be scared.
J?"

"How do you sleep at night?

Whatever you do to the least of these
You do to me. Surprised?"
& the one in a suit stands stunned & mute
Beneath fierce eternal eyes.