Before you criticize my plan, take time to listen
because only then will you understand what’s going on in my prison.

I spent my days locked up at home, taking care of small kids.
I can’t remember the last time I rested or the last peaceful thing that I did.

Their fathers are nowhere to be found, so all of the burden is on me.
I barely have money for toilet paper, and I sure wish food was free!

My joy is gone; I have no peace. I wish I could send them back.
Life was better before I gave birth. How I wish I could backtrack!

I was going to sell them for 1000 dollars each, but no one offered to buy them.
I have their birth certificates and clothes. Buy my kids, and I will gladly supply them.

Clearance sale! Come before it’s too late. I just want to be alone and free.
I can’t turn back time, but without them around, I’ll restart life and focus on me!

*
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Thelma Skeene wrote this fictional poem based on an image showing a sign that said, “4 Children FOR SALE.” She studies at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Adult Learning Center, where the site manager is Winsome Pryce-Cortes.