Why Would you Even?

As we handed out the fruit today
Lily politely requested a pear
She put it in her pocket
Whilst the others ate right there

Later, Finn shared out his birthday cake
Brought in by mum, with some sweets
Lily wrapped hers in a napkin
Watching her classmates eat

Her packet of sweets was not opened
They went in her pocket as well
She had eaten her school meal at lunchtime
But was hungry, it was easy to tell

"I know we're in class," I whispered
"But today is a special treat.
We're celebrating Finn's birthday
It's perfectly OK to eat."

"Can I take it home to my mum please?"
Lily answered, polite but sad
We don't have cake at our house
We haven't had much since dad.

It will be a bit tricky for mum next week
When I'm on holiday
She can't go to work when I'm at home
We'll have lots of fun and we play

But it's a long time without school stuff
My lunches will be really small
And I want to take the cake home
Because mummy eats nothing at all."

Lily continued to talk
A world of pain pouring out
A child and her mother in need
But who both tried their best, there's no doubt

"We used to have food when dad was here
But dad was not very kind
It's better that mummy is safe now
So it's ok, I don't really mind

I'd rather be safe (me and mummy)
Than have lots of cake, fruit and sweets
But I put this stuff in my pocket
So mummy could have something to eat"

School had lots of fruit left at Half-term
And my cupboard was bursting with snacks
The staffroom had biscuits, bread, butter and milk
So together we started to pack

Lily still had fruit in her pocket
But ate up her cake and her sweets
Because we made sure that this Half term
Mummy and Lily could eat

Now I know there are people who judge
Lily's mum (from their ivory tower)
Ignoring the struggle she goes through
Misusing their money and power

"Why would you even have children?"
Is just one thing they blindly accuse.
I ask, "Why would you even become an MP
If to serve your public is not what you choose?"