Where's the Poetry

Where’s the Poetry… by Odin Roark Where’s the poetry In out of touch politicians Finding nothing their derelict conscience Can address? Where’s the poetry In a homeless family Through no fault of their own Must endure cold Hunger Rejection Vilification by the ignorant? And lest we forget Where’s the poetry In the sadness of an abandoned pet Filling alleys Vacant lots Fields Drain ditches While former owners Party Or perhaps just refuse To maintain the responsibility Fulfilling their obligation as a pet owner? Where’s the poetry In a new year so full of misery For the underpaid The discriminated against Recipients of hatred Compassion-void observers Where’s the poetry In sadness So dense There’s no room For light to reach it To give a poet images To exercise some sympathy Empathy Perhaps Even some tangible help? Words can help heal If they can be seen Heard Read So I ask you Where’s the poetry In a country whose back is turned?