When unemployment 

Unexpectedly hit 

Her life turned into a disaster

Poverty was so vivid

A deserted house

Became her family’s abode

Rain comes through the leaking roof 

The wind blows into a broken window

The echo of hardship’s lashing sound 

Ripples through every aspect

Of their daily life

There is no heat in winter

The pantry is constantly empty

She barely keeps hunger   

Away from her home    

Too young to notice the deprivation 

Her children’s laughter is still bright

And that brings her hope

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States