I did it
And I know that.
There is no pretending that I did not steal
That sweet shiny fruit.
There are consequences for this, I know.
I stole and I am sorry
I did that.

They don’t understand why.
Or care.
They are always accusing,
Always sentencing, sending.
See, I was hungry,
My stomach as empty
As my barren pockets.
I had not eaten since I found my dinner
In the dirt.
Two days ago.

I can remember my parents’
Loving and adoring faces.
So long ago.
Then they got sick.
There were more tears, less smiles.
Their hugs got longer…
And weaker.
Then they were gone.
Like the leaves on the trees yet
Never to return.
And I was… am
Alone.

Ever since I have fended for myself.
No more smiles, no more hugs.
Getting bigger, getting older.
Earning a little here and there
Trying to survive.
And I did
Until today.
Now I am a criminal.
No more than a number on a uniform.
Those privileged people don’t know
Where I am from.
They wouldn’t and couldn’t understand
If they even wanted to.
So why bother,
I did it,
And that’s all that matters to them.