An ode to the Blaine Food Bank...

By Calvin Smith

You don’t have to kill a deer, or catch a fish, or milk a cow

Nor do you need, to plant a seed, or trudge behind a plow,

There’s just no need to steal a crust, or beg butter from your friends.

You don’t have to suffer shame or fear, or debt that never ends.

You’re not required when sick and tired, to pray with pious folk

Or to be questioned without reason why you’re broke.

I don’t believe in God, but I know that there are angels

You can see them at the food bank three times a week.

They get no compensation, neither pay nor recognition

They are angels without wings, or halos, so to speak.

You’ll find some out there pushing food carts up the hill

and loading it in cars, with smiles and much good will.

And when you go inside, other saints with love and pride,

Will customize a food cart just for you.

As if the cart is not enough, they’ll give you extra stuff

Like milk and eggs, and coffee and tofu.

There are others you won’t see, because they’re apart from all the rest,

Sorting and repacking to be sure you get the best.

Others I should mention are those who get the donors,

And those generous business owners who give the food.

Volunteers will be embarrassed

When they read what I have written,

Thinking they don’t warrant all this praise.

But I know my fellow users,

Including cheaters and abusers,

Will cheer when I finish with this phrase:

“Food bank volunteers please go to the front of line,

There’s a space reserved for you in heaven.”