A life insurance policy

A few thousand dollars here to pay off a car. 

A few thousand there to fund a trip across the sea. 

Some to settle the college loans of her daughter

as she ventures off to public service 

            (to be paid back later of course, in full).

A woman reduced to numbers, sums and dollar signs.  

Insured. 

Ensuring that the lives of her family members 

continue along with ease–      

            sort of, at least.