I Cannot Read the Paper

Last night a six-year-old child was savagely murdered by her parents.
Last night an inebriated vet was beaten to death in an alley by teenagers. 
Last night the moon cried in empathy as she watched these horrific things
Unable to aid, wishing she had not seen these things on her watch.

Last night a desperate young mother prostituted herself to pay rent
Last night a generous, giving honest police officer was killed for the fun of it;
A twenty-two-year old bicyclist was run down by a thrill-seeker in a hot car
Unable to devour these things, I refuse to read the newspaper this morning.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Marc Avatar
November 27, 2020 at 8:41 AM
I very rarely read the news anymore and have no regrets :)
Krutsinger Avatar
November 27, 2020 at 12:09 PM
I had forgotten how wonderful it was to not hear the news.
Kavanagh  Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 3:27 PM
This world Caren, just like the newspapers will eat you up and spit you back out before breakfast, sad reflection on humanity, well pointed out in this reality check poem, cheers David
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:17 PM
I try to never read the news.
Gilmour Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 1:29 PM
Such a cruel world we live in Caren and I too do not read the newspapers anymore or even watch television, for there is so much violence portrayed nowadays and they call it entertainment! I immerse myself in poetry and reading and music and listen to selective programmes on the radio, as I try to escape into my own little haven. Kindest thoughts Ann xx
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:18 PM
I did not hear the news for about 30 years. I need to go back to that strategy.
Simon Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 11:23 AM
Very sad. Such brutality in the world. You conveyed it artfully and poignantly.
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:18 PM
Thank you Nad
One Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 4:47 AM
Very very sad, I do not read the paper nor do i watch the news.. I like to surround my self with beauty and positivity..
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:21 PM
Me too. I wonder why the newspapers are not full of happily ever after stories.
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:19 PM
Me too. I wonder why the newspapers are not full of happily ever after stories.
Messina Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 3:44 AM
Caren, terrific write. I haven't read a newspaper in years, I refuse to for the exact reasons you have mentioned. Is there any joy in always reading bad news? The same goes for the news stations on the boob-tube but I force myself to watch just to keep up with the times. Hope you are well...Charlie
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:20 PM
I am Charlie. Thank you.
Dome Avatar
November 24, 2020 at 6:15 PM
I'm not surprised my friend. Just like the good book said it would.it gets worse.I was really shaken by what you said and shocked. it all seems a million miles away sat here in my comfortable home. really touched my heart. stay safe. thank you for sharing. Pete.
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:20 PM
Thank you Peter.
Wolf Avatar
November 24, 2020 at 5:21 PM
You're right, C.K. If it's upsetting, don't read about it. Those newspapers, just like other news media, are out to titillate and to make money -- mostly off of others' misfortune and general human misery. ~ gw
Krutsinger Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 6:21 PM
The news has got to go. I am now kicking it out of my life.
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