Halloween Party Tonight–Bring Donations to SMC

New poem.

Home is a Park
by Barbara Pappan
Homeless Children and Halloween contest entry
Artwork by davealpert at FanArtReview.com

Now I lay me down to sleep
“Hush,” Mommy says, “don’t make a peep,”
I squeeze my teddy so tight
So everything will be all right

Then she zips me up inside the tent
’cause she says we got no money for the rent
When I ask her why we live in the park
She slaps my face and tells me not to be smart

I wish my mommy wouldn’t leave
It gets so scary here in the dark
Sometimes strange men come inside
They hurt me so bad I cry

I tol’ Mommy but she just laughed
She said I be nothing but trash
But at least now she gets her medicine for free
Sometimes they bring me sandwiches and candies

My tummy hurts ’cause I am so hungry
Everywhere I go I see children with candy and toys
All I have is my teddy to give me love
Where is Mommy ’cause I don’t see her

Please, Mommy, please come home soon
How long has she been gone?
The zipper is making that squeaky noise
Thank you God, for bringing Mommy home

“Mommy, did you get me a candy?”
She promised to bring me some if I am good
A new man is crawling toward me
He smiles and gives me a backpack

Now I lay me down to sleep
I promise not to make a peep
I hug teddy super tight
’cause maybe I’ll grow up some day