Home » Poems » Bethany St John » Reach Out Your Hand

Reach Out Your Hand

There's a little boy in Africa
Whose life is on the line
He's been stealing from the vendors
and re-selling for a dime
Angry people yell and threaten
As he tries to make them see
The reason for his stealing
Is to feed his family

There's a little girl in Haiti
Whose life is on the line
She's been abandoned by her family
And she's running out of time
Her hair is turning orange
And her belly's big and round
A little girl in pain and fear
Just waiting to be found

Do we feel the pang of hunger?
Do we try to understand
The difference that our love could make
If we'd reach out our hand?
To bring a cup of water
And a smile in Jesus' name
Do we see our love could change them
So they'll never be the same?

There's a little girl in Mexico
Whose life is on the line
Those men who took her from her home
Are no longer being kind
The horrors that she must endure
Each night at their command
She feels ashamed and lonely
And prays for her life to end

Do we see the tears and heartache?
Do we try to understand
The difference that our love could make
If we'd reach out our hand?
To search out the lives forgotten
And help pull them through the pain
To offer love and healing
So they'll never be the same

I choose to see the heartache
I choose to see the pain
I choose to give of my life
So they'll never be the same

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

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 7/23/2014 5:33:00 PM

Bethany :) Thank you for the sweet reply, on my comment. I'm a little late, getting back to all the replies, left a while back. XOX ~LINDA~

Paul Callus

Date: 6/26/2014 8:18:00 AM

Thank you Bethany for highlighting these problems that are afflicting our world, through such an expressive write. Congrats on a fine win. // paul

Bethany St John
Date: 7/9/2014 2:41:00 PM

Thank you, Paul!

Pandita Sietesantos

Date: 6/26/2014 7:15:00 AM

Hi Bethany, what a wonderful expression about very serious social concerns. I love this powerful, inspirational write and it is deserving of the great win! Congratulations, my friend!

Bethany St John
Date: 7/9/2014 2:42:00 PM

Thank you, so much, Pandita. It's a subject close to my heart.

Dr.Ram Mehta

Date: 6/26/2014 1:32:00 AM

Enjoyed the poem with the morning cup of tea. Congrats on the win

Bethany St John
Date: 7/9/2014 2:42:00 PM

Thanks so much - Glad you enjoyed it!

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 6/25/2014 11:34:00 PM

Bethany, Congratulations:) Enjoyed every winning poem, on my list. Thanks for the support. If you like, stop by my latest blog "Poetic symphony" OR My Newest poem, THE NEW POET." It's a sweet dedication to every old and new poet. I've come in contact, since March 2010. LOVE ~LINDA

Bethany St John
Date: 7/9/2014 2:44:00 PM

Thank you so much, Linda! Appreciate the opportunity! :)

Gerald Kithinji

Date: 5/9/2014 10:47:00 AM

Great choice. Emulate even in small ways.

Bethany St John
Date: 5/14/2014 9:09:00 PM

Thank you Gerald :)

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/9/2014 4:19:00 PM

Amen Bethany, you have expressed this with great sensitivity. A message all of us need to take to heart and express through actions.

Bethany St John
Date: 5/1/2014 11:06:00 AM

Thanks Richard!!

Kevin Clark

Date: 4/8/2014 5:09:00 PM

HI Bethany. How are you. I hope you are well. Very touching poem Bethany. We take what we have for granted every day. Just when you think you have it bad you see someone else's life and you see how lucky you are. Thanks for reminding me.

Bethany St John
Date: 5/1/2014 11:11:00 AM

Hi Kevin. I'm doing well, thanks. I Was in Haiti for a few months...hence the poem. You are right, we take so much for granted each day. I was reminded of that every morning I woke up there. I hope life is going well for you my friend!