Even Giver Need Payback

Took the little boy,

for a neighborhood walk.

As we stood under

a Chinese rain tree,

we looked at our house,

and I felt emotional.

I told the boy

not to take it for granted,

this leafy suburb,

a safe place to live,

all this privilege,

for a guy

from a poor family

who worked hard

on an ethical path,

saved enough

to afford this house

on his own.

Nobody gave a penny,

of course, bank did,

based on his good credits.

Huge mortgage lies ahead,

in this era of

job uncertainty,

and massive layoffs.

We must pay back

in love, in gratitude,

even in money when we can.

Even givers need rewards

for all that they do.