Troubled Times

By Gail Maddox

Sometimes, I sit and wonder why things have to be so tough.

Especially when I work two jobs and the income is still not enough.

I used to think I was cursed with having bad luck.

Divorced, raising three kids on my own.

I haven't received a cent of child support since my youngest was born.

My ex-husband Ronnie just purchased a home in California.

For two hundred thousand dollars or more.

He'll get his day that's for sure.

I'm poor, black and lonely.

Living in a roach infested apartment with barely any heat.

My neighborhood is rough.

The drug dealers and hookers never sleep.

Ronnie figures, I'm gonna sit back and keep my mouth shut.

Wait until the sheriff serves him a letter to appear in court.

In troubled times like these, I struggle to make ends meet.

I try not to stress myself out by thinking negatively.

I cannot afford to be weak around my children.

They need a strong mother who will always be there.

Their father can care less about ever seeing them.

His role becomes my role in the home, and it's not easy.

In troubled times like these my life is not sweet.

I still walk down the street with my head held up high.

Although, a lot of times I want to break down and cry.

I bury the pain and hurt deep inside.

Like the song Shirley Berdock wrote, I will survive.

In troubled times like these

I pray to the Lord

To continue to watch over me.

My burden is so heavy, and sometimes I feel sick.

But, the Lord carries me.

Like the poem, Footprints.