Feeding the World

The headlines scream, I quickly turn the page.
What can I do?  I understand the rage.
If they were here and pleading at my door,
I'd raid my pantry for these hungry poor.

We fill the baskets in our church food drive.
I pray my share will keep one child alive.
I buy the goat I've been told will fulfill
Some family's needs and feel vicarious thrill.

I gladly give my meager widow's mite
Knowing full well the good it does is slight.
American farmers strive the world to feed.
Charities send it to the world in need.

But there are some encountered on the way
Who filled with greed, cause our good gifts to stray.
No one person, charity or nation can
Fill every need of every child or man.

Meanwhile, neglecting those who are most close.
I mourn my grandchild, dead from over-dose.

won hm
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
August 17, 2009 at 3:22 AM
Congratulations on your win in Sami's contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Strand Avatar
August 15, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Congrats on your success in Sami's contest Joyce.Rgds Brian
Anish Avatar
August 11, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Sad ending - hope it was just in the poem. I sometimes give money to City Harvest which helps New Yorkers in need. All Best Matthew Anish
Strand Avatar
August 11, 2009 at 8:24 AM
As Chris says Joyce a poem with power and... so personal .Thanks for your welcome comments today.Rgds Brian
Devonshire Avatar
August 11, 2009 at 4:44 AM
Oh, Joyce. I am so sorry about your grandchild. But don't blame yourself for neglecting him. You were doing God's work in trying to help victims of famine. He was not neglected by you. Only God knows why people choose to end their own lives, and the saddest part is the impact on the family members left to wonder what they might have done to prevent it. God bless you. Beautiful, heartfelt poem, Sue! Love, Carolyn
Freeman Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Yes, sometimes the ones most close to us are the ones we can help the most. Sincerely Moses
Higgins Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
This is a sad but true to life piece of art my friend..the fist couple of stanzas really grabbed me and the last two lines drove home the power of this write.
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