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TODAY CHILDREN PAY
To be a mid-income family used to be enough.
It meant you had some extra, to do the special stuff.
Not fancy hotels or places nice to eat,
but definitely some camping, even sand beneath your feet.
Amusement parks and zoos,
maybe name brand shoes,
Having a home with a yard for croquet or horseshoes!
But today what does it mean?
To be mid income folk?

Both parents work full-time and to the kids this aint a joke.
They put themselves on buses and come home with a key.
They grab a bite of something and flip on tv.
Bills are piled high and therapy for all.
They don't own a home and their yard is very small.
Summer Camp is used to babysit them, too.
There are no trips to oceans, parks, mountains or even zoos.
Well, maybe on occasion when the parents have free time,
the stress of debt aint killing them and maybe have a dime.
They'll all pile in their one used car and both pitch in for gas.
They put smiles on their faces and talk of the years that pass.
Mom looks out the window holding back the tears.
Knowing time spent working, she's missing wonder years.
Daddy drives, hands clutched tight,
hoping they won't sense his stress.
This he needs to fight.
You see, parents aren't the only ones who pay high heating bills.
Their not the only ones who know what life is all uphill.
Their children never knew a time when breakfast was served hot,
their clothes were new with fresh new colors,
or winter vacations hot.
Coming home to a smiling mom who cut sandwiches in fours.
Or shut off the tv and said,"Now you go play outdoors"!
Being sent to big green lawns with big trees all around.
Lying in the backyard listening to insect sounds.
Watching dad pull in with supper always hot.
He could just relax, no chores, and work quickly forgot.
Instead of bills, he'd grab a beer, smile and rub their heads.
Making sure at bedtime that the kids were in their beds.
Today is not the same, and to kids it's just not fair.
Their friends are their family and watch out!
Because tough is everywhere.

Learn more about this author, Kelly White.
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