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        A LOVELY PAINTING
I saw a lovely painting of a large table well set,
All the family around laughing happy and well met,
A roaring fire brightly burning, candles all aglow,
Shining outside showing the cold falling snow.

Children playing waiting for the meal to start,
A wonderful picture to touch almost any heart,
An old fashioned home full of riches and wealth,
Everyone there full of good fortune and health.

Then I saw something that made my blood run chill,
A ragged, hungry child peeping in over the windowsill,
Empty haggard eyes bare arms and hands blue with cold,
A different story now this pretty picture to me told.

Did they see that hungry child, turn her empty away,
Or tell the kitchen staff to feed her on that festive day,
Even close the curtains to shut the pain and hurt out,
Pretending she did not exist not hear her try and shout.

Did the artist know what that harsh picture would do,
Bringing to reality the pain and then follow through
By helping the cold and hungry, those who can only stare,
Never knowing of the simple pleasure most of us share.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson January 5, 2004