Short Stories

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One bite

Lying on the road, my only bed and home, next to me my dear child whom I know is a gift from God. Sound asleep, the look of peace covering the whole face, our sleep being our only rest. The torn and tattered blanket, our only protection from the weather is moved as my child shifts while asleep. The blanket then reveals the truth that can not be denied nor kept secret. The sight of my child’s bulging tummy and skinny bones, evidence to malnutrition, bringing tears to my eyes. Oh how I pray we could have but one bite of healthy food, to help my baby from dying and leaving me all alone. It makes me angry to think that there are others who take what they have for granted, who waste food and every good opportunity. The break of dawn brings me back to earth, and to the fact that God has blessed us with yet another day. Wiping my tears away, I realize I have to get up and walk to the suburban trash bins, which are miles away. Around me I see dirt and sewage thinking to myself, oh what poverty. I also see the other parents getting up, and so I quicken my pace. Just as I am about to run, a vehicle parks in our pathway, inside I am upset at the barricade. Then out comes men and women walking towards us, bearing bowls of porridge and cups of water, everyone wakes up. My heart and eyes overwhelmed unsure weather to believe, until they put it in my hands and that of my baby. Lord this is you as these people were not sent by any organization. They woke up this early because you oh God have filled them with your love. I thank you Holy Spirit, and I pray more people will be moved to help, so many others like me can have but one bite.

by Rumbidzai Chekeche - December 2008

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