Money

When it comes
To money
I don’t have it

And that limits me

And there’s a lot I can’t do
And that bothers me

But there’s a lot I can do

I can buy birthday presents

For the kids in my life

I can buy the perfect ingredients

For a new recipe

I can get myself clothes

When I need to

I can get him two new pairs of shoes

On no special occasion

I can take my dog to the vet

And reward him with a bone

I can buy whatever medicine is needed

I can get pizza and wine

Every week
After food shopping

I can get my hair cut

And buy my favorite shampoo

I can color my hair

When it’s gray

I can bring a good gift to a baby shower

I can do all this

And still
Pay all of my bills on time
Keep myself out of overdraft
Make progress on paying down debt

That is amazing to me

Because

Many people
Don’t have this luxury

Have barely

What they need
To pay bills
And nothing more

Many are robbed

Of the brief flash of happiness
That comes from   
Finishing out a month
With needs covered
And responsibilities met

No, I can’t do it all

But I’m doing what I can

So please don’t be offended world

If I sometimes pick
 
Getting a kid’s birthday present
Over dinner out with you

Getting a new outfit

Over coming to your candle party

Hiring an electrician

Over a weekend away with friends

These are the choices

I need to make
And though they are tricky
And I don’t think they’re forever

I make them daily

And I make them well