Lifestyles of the Rich and Happy
A poem by Nickie | June 15, 2026
They tell me I grew up poor, but
I saw the sunrise every morning
after my parents left for work.
If I enjoyed dinner on Monday, I was lucky enough to eat it again
on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
I was able to wear grown up clothes to school
once my mother was done with them.
I watched cartoons at my grandma's house after school,
waiting for my parents' shifts to end.
I helped my mom fend off loneliness
on nights when my dad worked his second job.
My dad would make me pancakes before school
when his company shut down during slow months.
My parents could shout "I love you" from any room in the house,
and I could hear them.
