Strange Priorities

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"How many people are praying for love?" ("Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" by Avalon) There are countless people in this world who have no one that loves them ... NO ONE! Why is that not the most critical concern for all of us who DO?!? Why is that not Priority One for humankind?? Why are there not organizations, groups, web sites, and governments throughout the world, who have as their ONLY priority, this one, primary, simple, easy, BASIC, human need?!? Yes, many charities are doing extraordinary and important work, providing food and clothing and housing for those without, but what about LOVE?!? Why are we not just as dedicated to providing for the needs of the human heart and soul?? Are there any big, red pots to throw love into at Christmas time? Are there any Santas on the corners of our cities, ringing bells and giving out hugs and affection and genuine caring and interest? Are there any collection bins or boxes placed strategically where folks can drop off a caring embrace, or an attentive conversation, or a kiss on the cheek and a vocal "I love you!"? Does that sound absurd? But why?? Where are the stores where sad people can walk in off the street and have someone shake their hand, or put an arm around their shoulder, or lend an attentive ear to their concerns?? Where are the web sites where folks can donate a smile or a laugh or a song to cheer another? Where are the stores where a bitter or lonely person, broken from life and heartache, can walk in and find truly unconditional caring and love?!? Why are we SO good at helping others with the physical necessities to sustain life, and yet completely careless when it comes to giving others the basic love and kindness required to fill a lonely heart and a weary soul?? We donate our money at the drop of a hat to supply others with medical attention and clothes and meals to fill their stomachs, but their hearts remain empty and overlooked, their souls neglected and broken ... A lack of love will kill someone just a quickly and surely as starvation or exposure or disease, yet we hoard it and confine it to those who are close to us, and dole it out carefully in measured portions to those we deem as worthy ... But WHY?!? Why is love and kindness and caring not seen as JUST as important as any other human need?!? Why do we not share it and encourage it and give it, at LEAST as freely as we do our hard-earned money and resources?? I am just as guilty as anyone else of this crime, and it IS a crime - a horrific one - because imagine how few of those OTHER needs, the physical ones, would remain if LOVE was made the number one priority ... What has created within human society, this seemingly massive and absurd oversight of the lack of love and caring and kindness, and the extreme rationing of the EMOTIONAL needs that are just as crucial to survival?? When will we give the deficiency of love in this world, the critical attention and priority that it's due? I believe it will require a change in the collective conscience of humanity, a completely NEW way of doing things, but I honestly don't know ... I DO know that we must TRY ... somehow ... For what is the point of life - what is the purpose of being human - if not to LOVE?!? ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Protest Poem: A Poem With A Message" Poetry Contest, Stephen Pennell, Judge & Sponsor.

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Jean Murray

Date: 4/11/2019 3:55:00 PM

If love was that easily given it would become meaningless I feel Greg. Love is that singular emotion we possess that is so precious, we guard it with our lives. Or give up our lives for if need be. It cannot be metered, divided, or doled out only to those in need. I know where you are coming from but you for ask too much.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/11/2019 5:29:00 PM

(2) I could never be a proponent of keeping love scarce for the sake of its rarity, not as long as I see the extensive hate and cruelty and violence that I see around me everywhere. I am not asking for all hatred to be expunged because that would be naive and unrealistic, but I can HOPE for it, and we should all be working TOWARD it. There is no more worthwhile endeavor. Blessings.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/11/2019 5:28:00 PM

I understand what you're saying, Jean, and I so appreciate you taking the time to read and comment, but I can not believe that love would be any less valuable if it were given to more people. There is a MASSIVE shortage of kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and peace in this world, (all things that originate in love), and no greater need.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/6/2019 2:46:00 PM

Back to congratulate you on your deserving first place win my friend!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/5/2019 1:38:00 PM

I am an affectionate person yet I have to control my urge to hug strangers for that very reason. It is sad that there are a few bad apples who will take advantage of someone's loving nature and exploit it. All in all I still think you have a good point here. A kind word can make someone's day and I lavish those abundantly. I am paid back with smiles. Your protest has great merit Greg but I use caution, especially around other people's children. I hug the heck out of my own grandkids tho. : )

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/5/2019 5:24:00 PM

Oh, absolutely! One has to be VERY aware of others' personal "space" these days, and I think overall that's the correct thing, (though I find it a bit sad), but love has MANY applications, and can be given in a variety of ways that don't include touching, I believe, not all the physical kind.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/5/2019 5:24:00 PM

(2) The great spiritual leaders of the past - Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Gandhi, even MLK, Jr, ALL knew the amazing, transforming POWER of love - that there's nothing that can come against it - and I think we're losing that vision as a society. It is all I care about anymore. Thank you for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, and for reading this rather long missive. Blessings, Dear Poet!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/5/2019 1:31:00 PM

It is sad that we cannot be as friendly as we could in the past. Teachers are not allowed to hug children for fear of repercussions. The Me Too movement is great for awareness that has been overlooked too long but some are going overboard with it. Contd.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/5/2019 5:28:00 PM

Thank you so much, Connie! (see above)

Carole Duet

Date: 4/4/2019 11:13:00 PM

What a wonderful "protest" ...written with feeling and clarity and truth. Yes, it is the heart-connection that we so desperately miss when disconnected from the humanity and love of others. But, when we adopt a new perspective of unselfish love it becomes easy to share and to create, like this great write of yours. Through this protest you have ignited the love that is within everyone who reads it. Now who needs a hug? Better yet...a kiss? lol Carole :D

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/5/2019 5:27:00 PM

Amen, Carole! Thank you so much for this very kind and intelligent comment, and for taking the time to read my piece, (a bit too long for most folks, I think) ... it's something that I feel most strongly about, and my only politic/religion these days. I pray it's not too late for us as a society - that we haven't passed the point of no return. Blessings, Dear friend! :-) <3