Eileen Manassian Poet Dramatic Monologue

For the Children of Yemen

Who'll speak for the children?
I see the images
emaciated bodies
skin on bones
hopeless eyes
ravaged souls

Who'll speak for the children?
while super powers play
the death toll speeds ahead
nobody speaks
third world souls
not so important
mass shootings are grieved
as they should be
as they should be
but...a soul is a soul
who'll speaks for the children of Yemen?
who speaks for those poor children
are third world souls less valuable
than first world ones?

Who'll speak for the children of Yemen
suffering for the sake of politics
dirty dirty word
dirty dirty world
dirty dirty propoganda

my soul weeps
but who am I?
I sit cocooned in my room
fattened by my good life
enjoying my wealth and status

It's easy to weep 
in some far off country
It's easy to bemoan the plight
that's not my child
that's not me groveling for food
that's not me willing to sell my soul
to buy medicine for my family
to stay death
that's not me
that's not you

Who'll speak out for the children of Yemen?
Our silence will accuse us
when judgement day comes round
when that trumpet will sound
there will not be silence

Who will speak out for the children?
Who will help the children?
Who will love the children?
Who will die for the children?

Will YOU?

Eileen Manassian

♡Like0

Share 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

The Situation August 29, 2023 at 6:28 PM It needs to be said. But they need to evacuate. Leave the barren and we'll help from there. To speak is to help.

Liam Mcdaid January 16, 2018 at 5:47 AM i have read about this eileen in my eyes this world has gone brutal wicked excellent pen and we all know who drives this beast from the seat of the golden calf bless you always pal

Richard Lamoureux November 27, 2017 at 6:58 PM This is important for all to read. Hopefully our hearts have not become immune to the suffering of others. Hugs Rick. Eileen Manassian November 28, 2017 at 3:43 PM I hope the same, dear Richard. It always shocks me....the level of desensitization that we fall to at times.

Sneha Rv November 23, 2017 at 2:04 AM This is so powerful and thought-provoking, so many deserve help that no one offers.. Your poem is so beautiful in free verse. :) Eileen Manassian November 28, 2017 at 3:41 PM Thank you, Sneha. I'm thankful for your visit and thoughtful comment.

Frank Sheehan November 22, 2017 at 1:23 PM Fantastic write. It raises a question that we all should confront. Very powerful. Enjoyed immensely. Eileen Manassian November 22, 2017 at 4:29 PM Thanks, Frank. One can at least raise awareness...when it is our children...we will fight tooth and nail for justice to prevail.

Tim Smith November 22, 2017 at 8:08 AM We all must speak for those who cannot themselves...I love your poem Eileen Eileen Manassian November 22, 2017 at 4:30 PM Thanks, Tim. Your encouragement means a great deal. It troubles me....the pain of a child is devastating.

Anne-Lise Andresen November 22, 2017 at 2:38 AM - A painful and heartbreaking writing, dear Eileen - My soul and heart cried - hugs // Anne-Lise :( Eileen Manassian November 22, 2017 at 4:36 PM Yes, my dear. The images are horrific. Man is his own greatest enemy. Hugs, dear one.

Silent One November 22, 2017 at 2:24 AM It is heartbreaking, so many are starving to death and no one is really doimg anything just like with the Ronhingya.. what a sad world we live in where greed over powers humanity... Eileen Manassian November 22, 2017 at 4:37 PM Yes, dear....Perhaps because these people groups are...Muslim? Perhaps that has something to do with it? It saddens me. Christianity has done some heinous crimes in the name of religion...why must the innocent suffer?

Arthur Vaso November 21, 2017 at 7:54 PM This brought a tear to my eye, I know with your heart, you would hug and comfort every single child if you could. Great write. Eileen Manassian November 22, 2017 at 12:16 AM The children of Yemen, Syria....why must there be such lack of concern for these ones? Where is the outrage? Where is the "Pray for Yemen?" I've long known that the world is a chess set...super powers play...the innocent pay.