But When the World?

He told her not to move,
Though fear showed in her eyes
She dare not disobey.
So the lonely figure 
Stood and waited,
While tears fell

Time stretched,
Her pitiful cries 
Grew louder,
 Until they carried     
To merciful ears,
And melting hearts.

And so they came,
Rescuers, ready
To lift her away
From the madness
Of men....

They saw
A life barely lived,
Trembling in confusion.
Her two little cheeks
Stained with tears.
Yet still, she would not move.

Soothing voices whispered,
She listened.
Loving hearts showed, 
She trusted.
Strong arms reached out, 
She yielded. 
Her fears calmed.
Her tears stopped.
  
And then her heart stopped.

She was only two.
Her life blown apart
And that of her deliverers.
Not a child, 
Just a means 
To an end,
To the hands of evil
That detonated death.
 
Now she is at peace.
But, when the world?




         I read in our daily paper about how little children are used as decoys.
         When rescuers come to save them from possible dangers they may
         be facing because of the war They are unaware,the enemy are watching
         waiting to detonate a bomb where the child is standing.
        This upset me so much,I was moved to write about it..
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Maverick Avatar
March 18, 2011 at 3:05 PM
I believe the answer lies within, within ourself's- governments-populances, we cannot (impose rightness) i think that is a very understandable reaction, i can see what james has put, and understand it is from the best of intentions! however i can envisage a world army coming and i fear it could be used to oppress ultimatley rather than help. very thought provoking piece Sylvia.
Fraser Avatar
November 24, 2010 at 10:40 AM
It sums up man at his worst the scenes your words tell June. The world now needs a world army to intervene in such attrocities. If we all start to read from the same sheet, then hopefully we can live our tomorrow's in harmony, great piece >> James :)
Smalling Avatar
November 17, 2010 at 5:57 PM
You are a soul of such sweet compassion, read your advice to Mimi, and that was so beautiful of you. We live in a cruel world, but people like you make life worthwhile. Enjoy reading your poetry ... full of compassion too.
Kendrick Avatar
November 12, 2010 at 3:44 PM
I am glad that you chose this topic..I have read about this and heard about it on news reports on tv..We as the public need to be enlightened about this horror acts of men..This is excellent informative work..I was honored that you stopped by and commented on my blog..SoupMail soon....Sara
Ammutlinra Avatar
November 12, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Sad read, deep and the images is not right, Enjoyed the story here,(LIN~RA)
Schnitzler Avatar
November 12, 2010 at 10:21 AM
just wanted to say thanks for the comment you left about my poem. you also have talent when it comes to poetry =]
Neels Avatar
November 10, 2010 at 10:11 AM
June this is so sad hey. Pity that the innocence of a child are taking away every day. Beautiful touching write.. Love Wilma
Devonshire Avatar
November 10, 2010 at 10:05 AM
May I share this poem with a friend who is a Vietnam Vet, Sylvia? He still has nightmares about the impact the warfare had on children. I know he will find this poem very moving. Love, Carolyn
Culverhouse Avatar
November 10, 2010 at 6:13 AM
so sad, I saw on the news where in Altanta, Ga a child at age 12 is forced into sex slavery every 2 minutes...I can't really concieve that happening in Georgia...nor anywhere really but right here close to my home. I have been wondering what i could do to help.
M V Avatar
November 9, 2010 at 6:10 AM
it is very tragic,sylvia.you have written it well.final question is quite relevant.luv fabiyas
Hilliker Avatar
November 7, 2010 at 7:37 PM
This is a well written and heartfelt piece, Sylvia. It's such a tragedy what some children have to endure. It saddens my heart. Check out my "Suffer the Little Children" poem. You might appreciate it. Have a great week.
Devonshire Avatar
November 7, 2010 at 4:13 PM
I am outraged to think these toddlers are used as decoys, Sylvia. Only savages could do such a thing. My heart ached reading your poem about this young girl whose life was so needlessly cut short. When will we find peace? Very powerful poem. Love, Carolyn
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace