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Where Have the Young Girls Gone

Inside the town of Chibok the tears flow in pain Abduction, unexpected; abhorrence and disdain. They came with evil intent and took the girls away These are but harmless children, for what are they to pay? Are these the brave insurgents who flaunt the law at will By taking girls as hostage, their hearts with terror fill? What’s wrong with education? Of what are they afraid? Is this the real mettle from which true men are made? Release them, they are children; your deeds are wrong and fake Just listen to the pleading. Wake up for heaven’s sake! (Written after the kidnapping of nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls in April 2014.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contest: a poem you have not entered in a poetry soup contest #1 Sponsor: Poet Destroyer A Placing: 3rd

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Kayod5 Kayode

Date: 1/15/2015 11:26:00 AM

Thank you Paul for this. I was not around when this fatherly appeal was made.I am just walking in your field of roses now when I come about my own. I am a Nigerian you will remember this my friend as such you have multiplied my love for you with this concern you have shown to my People in our time of need. Thank you for playing you part my darling friend may the good God reward you for this kind gesture you extended to us...huggs

Paul Callus
Date: 1/16/2015 2:04:00 PM

Kayode, first of all thank you for walking through my poetry garden; secondly anything that deals with injustices tugs at my heart, especially where innocent children are concerned. I am glad you appreciate my humble efforts. Take care. hugs // paul (I have long wondered if Ade is an abbreviated name!)

Michael Ward

Date: 5/21/2014 5:16:00 AM

Hi Paul, I have just read where have all the young girls gone And I find that your vocabulary is amazing can I buy some from you. I think you should have come first. Well done. Regards. MIKE

Paul Callus
Date: 5/21/2014 9:56:00 AM

Hi Michael! So pleased to have you visiting! Love your positive comments...and praise:) Next time I'll ask to have you as a judge:)) Vocabulary comes natural, after all English is my second language (after Maltese). Once again...thank you. // paul

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 5/18/2014 4:49:00 AM

still a great read Paul congrats on win hugs

Paul Callus
Date: 5/18/2014 9:42:00 AM

Thank you for stopping by...and for wishes/hugs:) // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/16/2014 10:01:00 PM

congratulations for your win with this one, Paul!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/17/2014 8:17:00 AM

Many thanks Andrea; congrats to you on such a positive winning streak:) // paul

David Mohn

Date: 5/16/2014 8:00:00 PM

Powerful and well written Paul...congrats

Paul Callus
Date: 5/17/2014 8:18:00 AM

Thank you David. a most welcome visit! cu // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 5/16/2014 1:10:00 PM

A wonderful write on such a heartbreaking story Paul. well deserved winner - sorry I missed seeing this fabulous write earlier. Hugs Jan xxx

Jan Allison
Date: 5/17/2014 8:17:00 AM

Am trying Paul - will happen one day :-) The most important thing is I am learning so much every day and having fun and that is the best prize of all. Hugs my friend. Jan xxxx

Paul Callus
Date: 5/17/2014 8:11:00 AM

That top rung is well within your reach....go for it /xx/ paul

Jan Allison
Date: 5/16/2014 4:32:00 PM

I can't believe how well I've done recently Paul. That elusive first place I simply fail to reach, but getting second is awesome considering I've only been here 3 1/2 months and only started writing after Bob's illness so out of something bad something amazing has happened in my life. Hugs as ever Jan xxxx

Paul Callus
Date: 5/16/2014 4:27:00 PM

Thank you Jan. I too miss writes:) It's impossible to keep up with all the poems that get uploaded. You've put on a good show these past days....on the podium:) congrats. // paul

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 5/16/2014 1:47:00 AM

Glad to be back again with congratulations on a wonderful message packed write Paul !

Paul Callus
Date: 5/16/2014 11:09:00 AM

Thank you Dr. Upma...so kind of you to come back with congrats. I'm off to see the winning list; hope you're on it:) //paul

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 5/16/2014 12:12:00 AM

Hello Paul, Congratulations!!! Thank you for supporting my contest... Always~ Linda

Paul Callus
Date: 5/16/2014 10:55:00 AM

Hi Linda! Thank you for placing me on the podium once again:) I try to take part in all your contests, but they 'sell out' so quickly that I keep missing the boat! take care.....paul

Ivo Cos

Date: 5/14/2014 4:55:00 PM

I really think I've commented on this one before!!! (or very similar one??) Anyhow, Great job, PAUL. I'm also concerned with topics like these. I hope you're doing great. merhaba

Paul Callus
Date: 5/15/2014 5:48:00 PM

Thank you for stopping by Ivo...and for the lovely remarks. Do not work too hard!! (In Maltese 'merhba' is 'welcome'. I will now say 'sahha'. // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/14/2014 4:08:00 PM

Keep up your good work pointing out the injustices of this world, Paul. This would have made a good miltonic sonnet with just a few adjustments!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 4:21:00 PM

Thank you Andrea; we know that injustices exist, but feel helpless when trying to do something about them; in my case I try and use the pen. :) // paul

Keith O.J. Hunt

Date: 5/14/2014 2:19:00 PM

A great concern, yes, good righteous write Paul, my head shakes everyday from the injustice in the world...

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 2:32:00 PM

This world is full of injustices; this is but one of them. It's our job to try, at least, to keep a balance. txs for stopping by. // paul

Len Gasun

Date: 5/14/2014 3:47:00 AM

A very beautiful heartfelt poem with great message my dear friend Paul. I love it and so enjoyed reading it today. Thank you so much for sharing! love and big hugs, Leonora

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 10:04:00 AM

Thank you Leonora; lovely comments and hugs make for a very welcome visit:) cu // paul

Mel Merrill

Date: 5/14/2014 12:56:00 AM

Hi Paul, what a nice write. I really appreciate the rhyme and meter, and above all, the message. What's wrong with education? Indeed! Kudos, my friend...mel

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 9:58:00 AM

Thank you Mel for stopping by, but even more for the positive comments. cu // paul

Carrie Richards

Date: 5/13/2014 9:02:00 PM

This heartbreak is so unspeakable, but we must not turn our heads......thank you for your thoughts, and reminders to pray for them. :)

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 9:47:00 AM

Appreciate your comments, Carrie. From the latest news...seems like there might be a ray of hope. Prayers do help! :) // paul

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 5/13/2014 6:35:00 PM

a horror that touches any parents soul Paul sensitively dealt with great pen hugs

Paul Callus
Date: 5/14/2014 10:09:00 AM

Many thanks Shadow! Good thing so much more is now being done, news-wise, to bring awareness of the situation. Hopefully common sense will prevail. // paul

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 5/13/2014 11:22:00 AM

Immensely touching emotional write wid a msg too Paul! loved this one! and last but not the least to add to the irony is female foeticide !! Its really sad //upma//

Paul Callus
Date: 5/13/2014 1:20:00 PM

Will be watching out for it..!

Dr. Upma A. Sharma
Date: 5/13/2014 11:49:00 AM

'A muffled cry of an unborn daughter' wud be my title for a similar theme next Paul .... Coming soon !

Paul Callus
Date: 5/13/2014 11:36:00 AM

Thank you Dr. Upma; yes, I am sure that many people are against these cowardly actions..as you said, it's all very sad...a stain on humanity! // paul

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 5/13/2014 9:18:00 AM

A very moving write Paul. A sad reality for these young girls. The play on words on the title, brings to mind Pete Seger's song.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/13/2014 10:29:00 AM

Thank you for the positive comments, Richard. You have just reminded me of the song "Where have all the flowers gone?" by Pete Seger...same title would have been ideal for this. // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/13/2014 8:37:00 AM

It's all so very sad. Reminds me of that poor girl that was shot at by evil men last year and now she is the symbol for all young women who are downtrodden in the world. good one!!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/13/2014 9:53:00 AM

Yes, Andrea, both episodes go hand in hand. It's amazing how females in parts of the world are still being treated so degradingly. They are no less deserving than men. txs for stopping by :) // paul

Saba Khan

Date: 5/12/2014 12:11:00 AM

What a poem! A masterpiece! I really liked it very very much...SUPER EXCELLENT!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/12/2014 5:26:00 PM

Many thanks Saba! So glad you liked it. very encouraging feedback. cu // paul

Vera Duggan

Date: 5/11/2014 7:28:00 PM

Very heartfelt poem Paul, this is something that not happen in this day and age, it is so sad I really feel for these girls and the families, great write, Take care..........Vera............

Paul Callus
Date: 5/12/2014 5:18:00 PM

Hi Vera! I'm glad that the message has come out loud and clear. If the problem is not controlled it will spread even more. Take care (and slow down on the housework:)) // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 5/11/2014 6:24:00 PM

heartfelt write on a sad, sad subject, my friend

Paul Callus
Date: 5/12/2014 5:07:00 PM

Thank you Jack; as you say...this is a sad thing; should never happen! // paul

Sara Kendrick

Date: 5/11/2014 4:09:00 PM

This is a sad happening in a world where we should have grown in better character with each generation..What were they thinking?..Enjoyed your work about a very up to date topic..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara

Paul Callus
Date: 5/11/2014 4:20:00 PM

Hi Sara! I appreciate you stopping by and giving your support by commenting so positively. txs. // paul

Constance La France

Date: 5/11/2014 3:47:00 PM

Paul, your poem says it all, such a terrible thing to happen, I pray these girls are returned to their families soon

Paul Callus
Date: 5/11/2014 4:17:00 PM

May your words come true! Yes, this is so terrible; Unbelievable what humans do to other humans! txs for stopping by:) // paul

Nette Onclaud

Date: 5/11/2014 1:09:00 PM

a sullen mood ; saw this on TV, paul.. a powerful write that pierces the sense.. huggs

Paul Callus
Date: 5/11/2014 2:59:00 PM

Thank you Nette for stopping by and showing your support with appropriate comments:) cu /x/ paul

Kristy Chun

Date: 5/11/2014 6:56:00 AM

My child is the world.... I am to protective, but in todays society I can not be.... Many a things I think as I read what you have written. So sad a society we live in where this is an occurrence....

Paul Callus
Date: 5/11/2014 2:57:00 PM

I agree with you Kristy. I am sure that most mothers are protective of their children, especially in a world where temptation is rife. This special case deserves special mention, for obvious reasons. Thank you for the visit:) // paul