Just a child - 4

Please mister, just one cent?
I don't know when I last ate.
Please mister, my tummy's sore.
I need food before it's too late.

You see my daddy lost it all.
And mum left him and me.
Daddy used to play cards.
So please mister hear my plea.

He lost it all, even the house.
I'm trying to earn it all back.
But every time I earn a dime.
He takes it to the racetrack.

Please mister, just some bread?
So I'll survive the night.
It's weird how cold it gets
As the streets empty of light.

Please mister, listen to me.
Make my story known.
Tell others about my pain.
So I know I'm not alone.

Tell them about my daddy,
A misguided, addicted man.
Tell them how I'm starving.
And share how it all began.

Why won't you look at me?
Are you blaming me for this?
It's not like I had toys and stuff.
Or lived in capitalist bliss.

Please mister, just look down.
See that I am just a kid.
Notice my young age,
It wasn't something I did.

It's getting dark outside,
And you're walking away.
I'm not asking for much.
Just send some food my way.

I'm cold and scared now.
My hands are going numb.
Keep your cent mister.
I think my time has come.

Please mister, just one year?
I'm only six after all.
Save me from death now,
Or regret it when I fall.

I won't be here tomorrow.
And then you'll notice me.
Through the absence of a beggar,
You will finally see.