How many sleeps do we have to sleep
laying there for that promise to keep
that no child will be born in poverty?
How many nights do others lay awake
dreaming of play and pieces of cake
while we sleep on soundly?
How many days do we see the dawn
Yet others don’t soon after they’re born
while we can get up uncaring?
I am troubled with thoughts like these
yet others live their lives with ease
laughing and scoffing and playing away
Would you please tell me, someone soon
as to this child in my arms I croon
why is your life of more value than theirs
Image from www.darkroom.baltimoresun.com
The most depressing thing I saw today was a Facebook meme that said the riches 85 people in the world have more money than the lower half of the entire world's population. Is it true? I don't know. But it is depressing. There has to be a better way.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with you. All lives are equal.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a video of a Syrian girl picking bread crumbs from dust and eating them with her brother...now can you get any taste of food after seeing that?...what a pristine world we were gifted and what we have turned it into..nicely done
ReplyDeleteall life should be valued equal - and i think each of us can do their small share to change a child's life... we as a fam for example support a children's home in india and due to this small thing four orphans over the years had the chance to get a home and school education...
ReplyDeleteStrong words that we all need to hear, great poem and a powerful write.
ReplyDeleteVery strong questions Rob; sadly we all know that there are no answers to them because the people who could do something do nothing, and those of us who care (we 'common muck'!) have no power. It's all so frustrating.
ReplyDeleteDepressing thoughts indeed.. I'm reminded of protest songs, and would love to hear this sung.
ReplyDeleteExquisitely painful ... Wonderful poem ... on a horrendous reality...
ReplyDelete... blowing in the wind...
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to live in these peaceful and soothing lives ~ We can only do so much, it overwhelms me in some days ~
ReplyDeleteMost of us would probably say that all lives are equal. In actual fact we often act as if they were not. But I agree with Claudia that small steps can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it seems we become immune to the suffering and hardships of others. Your poem forces us to look at what we so often overlook.
ReplyDeleteGood write... well said!
ReplyDeleteZQ
This touched me --the way you ask the question--the way you hold your own child. The way your piece makes us see--
ReplyDeleteA timely reminder.
ReplyDeleteRight to the heart of the matter. The imbalance is appalling. Well done, and thanks for spreading awareness.
ReplyDeletei know so very well what your feelings are in this poem, our church organizes lunches through an org called St Vincent de Paul, i give lunches to the needy in our community throught that org, yet you know deep down inside there is still some little mouth still hungry
ReplyDeletehave a nice Sunday
much love...
Heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful the questions flow , like William Blake, rhyme and all. I like to think of you enjoying in between, letting your poems hold this sorrow and anger. You need to be fed to continue to feed us with your art.
ReplyDeleteLovely, sad poem. I share your sentiments here and do struggle with these questions too.
ReplyDeleteWell written and very true in the words and sentiment.
ReplyDeleteThere are not many more things more sorrowful to see than a hungry, impoverished child. I hope for more help to reach them.
ReplyDelete"the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity" - Yeats. Too many sleeps, still, I fear ~
ReplyDelete