Growling Hunger

image by Musin Yohan


It is not the storm clouds
I fear, but the empty fields
that will starve my children.

I pray the dehydrated earth
below my feet will drink its fill
and then let flooded lips drown famine.

I rob bloated anguish to carry
the last sheaves of harvest
to feed hope to growling hunger.


©Susie Clevenger 2013

Written for The Mag #175 . Image was provided by Tess Kincaid. 

Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
With these words, you have invited us to step inside the picture and imagine the taste and feel of deprivation.
July 4, 2013 at 4:21 AM
Little Nell said…
I think we both picked upon the implicit yearning for the rains to come, and you have executed this perfectly.
July 4, 2013 at 6:14 AM
Helen said…
Powerful words, Susie. The third stanza is amazing.
July 4, 2013 at 8:40 AM
Jinksy said…
Reading this made even me fee thirsty - never mind your field! :)
July 5, 2013 at 2:30 AM
Unknown said…
Whoa, that is really deep!
July 5, 2013 at 5:57 PM
Ginny Brannan said…
Indeed, your imagery conveys the bleak reality of many places suffering from drought and famine. Thought provoking and beautifully penned, Susie.
July 5, 2013 at 8:25 PM
Lisa A. Williams said…
Amazing! Reminds me of what one might have said about the dustbowl, truly remarkable.
July 5, 2013 at 9:00 PM
Tess Kincaid said…
Powerful and thought-provoking...
July 6, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Susan Anderson said…
You captured the struggle here. Well done.

=)
July 6, 2013 at 3:16 PM
LaTonya Baldwin said…
poignant. Well done.
July 7, 2013 at 2:35 PM
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