Not To Suffer As I Did Poem by Randy McClave

I don't want anyone to suffer because I did
As I think, may God forbid,
I don't want anyone to do without, because I did without
As I reminisce and then scream and shout.
I don't want anyone to be ashamed as I was before
When I was both needy and hungry and poor,
And I don't want anyone to ever suffer
With the belief or thought it will make them tougher.
I don't want anyone to ever thirst or hunger
Because, I did when I was much younger,
And I don't want anyone to sleep on a bench or in a tent
All because they can't pay their rent.
I don't want anyone to have the hardships that I went through
I don't want anyone beaten black and blue,
And I don't want anyone to be sad and to cry
Because, they unsuccessfully and constantly did try, try and try.
I don't want anyone to think that they're not worth a penny
No one, not any,
Isn't it that time that we all should realize
That we're all equal in God's caring and knowing eyes.
When I was younger I did what I could
That doesn't mean that now everyone now also should,
Just because when I was younger I survived
Though I was saddened and hurt and deprived.
How I lived and survived didn't make me stronger
The world I didn't want to conquer,
I instead read the Bible and the Lord told me to help others
As we all are truly sisters and brothers.
I don't want anyone to live the youth that I had
I want no one in pain and hurt and to be depressed and sad,
Just because, I had suffered and I did without I don't wish it on them
How they don't suffer as I did, I will not ever condemn.

Randy L. McClave