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I’M NOT A DOLLAR SIGN

By Josie Peralta

I’m a man.

I’m a father.

I have rights.

I’m in pain.

I’m not a dollar sign!

I love my child. Leaving

Him was never a choice.

I bought the right to see

My son. I asked why . . . ?

We were young and made mistakes.

She and I had the wrong needs

For each other.

Without knowing,

We planted a seed from which

The most beautiful bud

Blossomed: our son.

I give and give,

But it is never enough.

My child is my weakness.

There is an eternal emptiness

Without him. Don’t scrape the

Wound, I’m a part-time father.

That hurts enough.

I didn’t know how to cry before,

But now I cry for my child,

Each time I see another child.

I work hard to give him a future.

Acknowledge the reparations!

I’m a man!

I’m a father!

I have rights!

I’m in pain!

I’m not a dollar sign!