Never Mind...A Poem by Heidi McLain

I will soon become a foster child.
I did nothing to deserve this.
Can I stay with you for a while?
Never mind. You think you are too old.

I am hungry.
I had powdered creamer for dinner. Could you make me a peanut butter and
jelly sandwich?
Never mind. You're going out to dinner.

I am sick.
My mom didn't take good care of me. Can you please take me to the doctor?
Never mind. You have to meet a friend for coffee.

I have been homeless.
I have never slept on a bed before, and I am almost ten. Can I sleep on
your son's top bunk?
Never mind. You want him to have his own room.

I do poorly in school.
My dad was always too drunk to help me with homework. Can you guide me
through it?
Never mind. You have to go shopping.

I am suffering.
My mom's boyfriend broke my arm. Can you please comfort me?
Never mind. You will get too attached.

I am scared.
Everyone who ever loved me, hurt me. Can you hold me?
Never mind. It's Monday night football.

I feel worthless.
No one ever wanted to be with me. Can you teach me how to play ball?
Never mind. You have to take your daughter to piano lessons.

I am sad.
So many things are bothering me. Will you listen?
Never mind. Tonight is your PTA meeting.

I have been neglected.
Every night, I wish I were never born. Can you help me want to live?
Never mind. You are getting ready to go on vacation.

I have lost hope.
My dad said he wouldn't beat me if I weren't so stupid. Can I come
learn from you?
Never mind. You think your house is not big enough.

I have been bullied.
All the kids call me "dirty boy." Can I please bathe at your house?
Never mind. You are getting ready for a party.

I have no self-esteem.
No matter what I do, it isn't good enough. Can you encourage me?
Never mind. You are watching television.

I have no role model.
My dad left us, and my mom went to jail. Could you show me what it
right and wrong?
Never mind. You have yard work to do.

I have no friends.
I have never gotten to go anywhere besides school. Will you take me
with you to church?
Never mind. It would be too much of a hastle.

I have been abandoned.
My mom leaves my baby sister and me alone. Can you watch over us for a while?
Never mind. It would hurt you too much when we left.

I am lost.
No one has ever been there for me, and I don't know whom I can trust.
Can you introduce me to God?
Never mind. You have errands to run.

I am in need.
There are not enough loving foster parents. Will you become one?
...Never mind.