Little stabs of jealousy struck Cody as he stood at the corner and watched Josh and Sam cycle their latest acquisition around the neighbourhood park with such glee,
He envied how they always got the latest and best toys and momentarily, he felt sad and angry that poverty kept his mama from buying any of such things for him. He was tired of their scrounging for food, for hand-me-downs and their broken television.
From past experience, he knew not to ask them if he could join them because they would only laugh and make fun of him. Last time when they were flying a kite and he came closer to watch, Sam made fun of his ill-fitting clothes and oversized trainers and he had walked away red in the face and ashamed.
He really wanted to fit in and he was tired of feeling out of place, but what could a ten-year old do? Maybe if his dad hadn’t died, they wouldn’t be so poor with his mother juggling several jobs. He hoped mama was right in saying that things would get better some day.
© Jacqueline
Thank you, Dorothy, for the photo prompt and PJ for hosting.
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
So very sad Jacqueline! It is also sad that he wants the “things” the other kids have and he can’t have because of poverty. Sometimes the happier kids are really those who don’t always get everything they want. Lovely story!!
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Thank you PJ. Truly, happiness can’t be purchased and a lot of children who don’t have such luxury are happier and learn to be content.
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Yes, that is true.
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Ohhh I hope they do. My heart goes out to those in x
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Oops meant to say poverty!
Getting too . 🙂
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Oh I can feel his shame and I can also feel my own shame as as parent -hoping my own child never feels or is made to feel this way. You have captured a moment of envy in a vivid selection of words. xx
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Thank you Daisy. I hope that we are able to provide for our children.
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Sad and tragic piece. Kids can be cruel, but poverty is crueler still.
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Poverty is truly cruel and some kids are mean little things.
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good
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Excellent short story. Sad and real reflections.
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A poignant tale.
A more equitable distribution of wealth is …… just a dream.
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Ha. If wishes were horses, lots of beggars would be galloping by.
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Sad, but so real for so many children. Well done.
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