Born Poor

Lubbock 1960 a time of poverty

second-hand gifts under the tree

powdered eggs from Salvation Army

water pipes frozen, car battery dead

knock on door, grocery bags on porch

teacher felt sorry, got me new shoes

mother's tamales always a tradition

beans and tortillas were the norm

from flour sacks mother made shirts

house so cold, didn't pay past due bill

Lubbock 1960 a time of poverty...