Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag
Seems strange unlike the previous tenant
It has been a month now coming to two
He came the moment it was vacant
But not this time even enquiries were few
Wonder what can be the reason
Ma has to feed six mouths
Can’t let it be empty for too long
It’ll eat into our loss
Ma is putting it to my shoulders
Never felt so insecure
End of my tether
Unsettling to endure
Pa used to be the one responsible
But Pa had passed on last year
Being the eldest sibling it is impossible
To avoid but one must appear
To shoulder the
burden
This time all but alone
Times are hard
This time around
A so-called landlord
Hard up for a stipend
But life must go on!
Written for Tess' Mag #207
Must be hard to be the eldest after a father passes on to help keep the money coming into the household. Well written Hank.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Lots for a young one to bear.
ReplyDeleteYou put life into what goes on behind those brick walls.
ReplyDeleteThe eldest sure can get a lot of responsibility whether they want it or not
ReplyDeleteugh...not an easy life you know...trying to feed a family at whatever age...and times are def tough...and money not easy to come by...no matter what they say
ReplyDeleteWistful and rather poignant...
ReplyDeletea huge responsibility for such a young person. Well told.
ReplyDelete'Times are hard' ~ very well described, the time, when young must grow up fast.
ReplyDeleteRough on a young person to have to stand up
ReplyDeleteTimes can be hard indeed especially when others depend on you..
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laurie. Too much to carry for a young one who suppose to be enjoying his youth & time. Life can be tough sometimes but it is ne'er unfair. A very touching piece & tale, Hank. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteHank, what a great take on the prompt...from the eyes of the worried (nearly frantic) landlord. I am touched by this.
ReplyDeleteHard times...touchingly told...
ReplyDeleteYes, life does keep us moving forward. Excellent magpie.
ReplyDeleteThis story is a similar one to my father inlaws. When he was 14 his father was killed in a textile factory boiler accident and my father inlaw had to leave school and take a job in a factory & this is where he learned to be a fitter and turner. I believe it would have been very tough on him, however he never speaks of it!
ReplyDeleteBeing the eldest and bearing the burden is tough, but he'll make it.
ReplyDeleteSeems like they’ll have to take another cut in the rent to get the tenants in - all those hungry mouths - what a responsibilty. Thought-provoking response.
ReplyDeletepoetic poem that flows like a river story.... beautiful glad to have read it....
ReplyDelete