Famine's Face

I have held the child and crestfallen
been. I have seen the face of famine
its peevish and sullen glare, a face
with hollow eyes and missing smile.
Of slow and ambling gait it drags
its cloak of misery and despair with
neither thought nor care.
It hands out pain and poverty in ever
increasing portions, disease and total
depredation flow in streams of human
sadness. Hearts and souls are reaped
in the squander of man's neglect, as
the child's cry is drowned in the open
apathy of fellow man.
Monies donated often lost or misspent,
policies adopted constantly fail, ideals
concealed in hidden agenda's, dreams
smitten by the sword of avarice and 
greed.
The West sits astride the mountains
of surplus commodities to maintain
price levels, as the arms trade to the
third world flourishes bestowing 
more grief and suffering. 
It is beyond belief that in Africa
green oasis's were created so that
the World cup could take place, and 
yet in other areas a field of corn or
wheat is still wanting.
Human we are humane we are not, 
somewhere in the jungle of priorities
we are lost. Yes I know tonight I will
sit and eat my fill in comfort, maybe 
a dessert of guilt.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Ditshwele Avatar
January 18, 2011 at 11:24 PM
a sad one one Dan. mayb greed is the reason why some people have excess resources or maybe some people never try to go out and search for greener pastures, just maybe but this poem tels us to be generous, share with those in need and not blame them for their own problems. i tel you there is enough food in the world to support the whole population its only that some people get two times than they should while others get nothing because they do not have the power to get that!
Culverhouse Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 6:14 PM
yes makes me guilty for eating the extra cookies.... wish I could give me girth to astarving person or two.
Kendrick Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 5:15 PM
Do what you can and hope that every other person in the world does the same..Great descripitve, emotive, and expressive work that you have penned in this one..Sara
Devonshire Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 3:06 PM
By exposing the face of hunger, you motivate others to take action, Daniel. The scenes you describe are disheartening to all who believe in a merciful God. We cannot help but feel guilt when we realize how others have to struggle just to find food. A very touching write for my favorites, my friend. Love, Carolyn
Haick Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM
A profound worthy angst, dear Daniel. The answer to all our sorrows, I honestly believe is so simple! We use the term so loosely that it almost has no true meaning anymore....LOVE! If everyone would imagine walking in the next man's shoe, and yes, take the next step, follow through ...do something no matter how little, our world will be a better place and evil will fall..We can only keep praying for the day of enlightenment. Blessings to you! Have a great weekend! Love, Audrey
Onclaud Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 10:47 AM
a rave rant on apathy seasoned with brilliant imagery, daniel... " a dessert of guilt" says ita all.... good luck in the contest! :) nette
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