A Dying Man In Somalia

The stick-like drying bones of my little children
Haunt the tom-tom pulse of my heart.
Their electric bulb-like eyes drawn out by starvation's brethren
Mock our nation badly torn apart


By hunger endorsed by pitiless drought
As hope melts in lightning speed, death record boards increase.
Why are we let to perish in this hell sprout
 As rain's fury accelerates in degrees?


These silently emitting screams of my dying kids
 Slowly kill me before my awaiting death.
Can I hold on with these lashes of starvation’s sticks
As prostration gently lures me to earth? 


These well nourished vultures above my thatch,
Posing with pride like kings in regalia
Hopefully await my remains as they perch.
 I am a dying man in Somalia.
                                         25/07/2011

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 10/20/2011 8:47:00 PM
WEll said, Joseph, for these poor people. Glad I was led to see this older poem of yours on a night that Soup has finally come back on. LUv, Andrea
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Date: 9/21/2011 3:49:00 AM
Very sad picture from Somalia,Joseph.Touchingly written.Hope you read my poem 'Death Drops'.
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Date: 9/20/2011 6:20:00 AM
Such a sad poem but so beautifully written... great as always Joseph...thanks for sharing
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Date: 9/19/2011 1:32:00 PM
Sad to think that this is happening around the world every day...The question is what can we as a people and world to help prevent this on a permanent basis..Enjoyed your creative work..Thanks for stopping by,..Sara
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Date: 9/19/2011 10:15:00 AM
so awful! but well said. love "lashes of starvation's sticks" :)
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Date: 9/19/2011 10:02:00 AM
why children suffer is so gut--wrenching, jospeh.. superb expo!.. glad you're back!... :) huggs, nette
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Date: 9/19/2011 9:58:00 AM
I read this with tears in my eyes, such a heart wrenching poem Joseph..so beautifully written xx
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