A True Poem Called A Child Denied By Alfred Loveland Poem by Alfred Loveland

Looking back when I was young of 15 kids I was in the middle
No luxeries no sweets just basic food we had to fiddle
No new clothes just hand me downs
Which I must add we dare not frown.
Up in the morn early and bright,
yes its true we did look a sight
Ok yes we were poor and never had a bean.
But one things for sure
we were always clean.
Using water and carbolic soap until we would gleam
One by one into the tin bath in order of age
Made no different if you got in a rage
Just that one word whispered by Mum.
Wait till your father comes home my son.
All then would be quiet at least for a while,
Until mum sorts out your clothes from the Pile
All sparkling clean ready for school
When for me, came those dreaded words! !
No School for you your helping your Dad
I would scuff my boots while getting mad
Trying hard and wondering why,
it had to be me I started to cry
No loving arms to ease the pain
What is the point as there was nothing to gain
This happened again and again, as young as I was
I new it was insane
The hurt inside became intense
Because to me it just never made sense
One day I stood up to my Dad and tried to explain why I was so mad
In reading and writing I was so far behind
What he was doing to me was so very unkind
I hurt inside far more than they new
I ranted and raved and finally blew
Then at last he replied Son I am sorry for what I have done
I always picked you because you work hard and you never shun
Anything I ask of you its always done neat
You never give up or admit to defeat
Well of course those words did help a bit
But could never give back with the trouble and strife,
Something that has been with me for the rest of my life