hand-me-downs are pick-me-ups

Brothers, sisters, cousins,
An older friend across the street
Each have the potential
To hand down clothes, but not to keep

You see, if shirts and sweaters
Socks, shorts, pants, and cute outfits
Remain without a rip or stain
Another child benefits

Often, kids don’t realize
What they're wearing isn't theirs
If it wasn't purchased from a store
It's from another mom who shares

Children grow at turbo speed
What fits today may not next month
Flood pants become part of the garb
Whether in style or not

The youngsters in a family
May become perplexed
Inspecting worn-out frills or trucks
When they're of the opposite sex

Belly shirts, a tell-tale sign
That bub is growing up again
Before mom blinks, her cutie
Moves from size five to a size ten

Who knew a giant garbage bag
Could bring about a sense of joy
For a mama on a budget
Like when we gift children a toy

It’s heartwarming for a mom to see
A tot wearing her kid’s old clothes
It generates fond memories
And being wasteful, mama loathes

Hand-me-downs can be compared
To receiving a warm hug
From kid to kid, they travel
Adorning countless snuggle bugs

The hectic world in which we live
Lacks the proverbial village
But hand-me-down bags and boxes
Tear down walls to build a bridge