The Desperates

THE DESPERATES

The hungry and the poor,
Will always try to find a door,
That will offer them a little more,
Than what they had before.
They cross the border through 
The Kruger Park, 
When it’s dark,
A singularly desperate act!
Between them all they,
Have made a pact,
To secure a life,
Where they can survive,
Or die trying in a 
Desperate strife,
To keep alive!
Sadly, they often become,
Human bait,
To fearsome cats,
Who are surely looking for that
Foreign smell of meat,
And will prowl until they
Find them, then
One by one, to eat! 
The few that do not
Meet their fate,
Kneel down and pray,
For yet another day!
These predators
Prefer the night,
When they have the
Best eyesight,
But also take chances when 
It is light,
And give these desperate
Humans an unexpected fright, 
Who leave behind,
A trail of scent.
The Animals spot their
Prey under the shade of a tree,
That offers afternoon cool.
They already begin to drool!
The only sign that humans were
There, are knitting needles,
And a ball of wool!
Still more human bait is left,
Although many are now bereft,
They run and hide,
Down mud, they slide,
For hope that 
On the other side,
They will find,
Peace of mind!
Some make it to the other side,
But sadly still have to hide 
From humankind,
Who seek, these 
Desperate people out,
For cheap labour, they
Know their route!
All has been in vain,
As once again,
They are forced to be poor,
And used and abused.
All they wanted was a
Simple life, never had 
Any illusions of grandeur, 
And so the door
They sought,
Has only brought,
More sorrow,
On the morrow!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Michael Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 12:48 PM
A serious affair indeed...How to handle it...for the benefit of all....would be interesting to hear...A poem of consciousness....As the exodus from evil and corruption continues to plague nations...
Proxenos Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 2:28 PM
Hi Arturo, And the sad thing is that when they leave this evil and corruption behind, they arrive either where they are not wanted, or where they are going to be used and abused! They just can't win, they are the desperates of this world! Thank-you for a hear felt comment Arturo, all the best, Jennifer.
Krutsinger Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 1:37 AM
I had to FAV this one. I cannot add any words that would give it anything at all that it needs, for it needs nothing.
Proxenos Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:54 PM
Thank-you Caren, there is nothing more to say, they are "the desperates" most unfortunately! Hugs and best wishes, Jennifer.
Cunningham Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 12:39 AM
So sad Jennifer that people are so desperate that they would risk their lives to try and improve them. We really have to count our blessings sometimes. Tom.
Proxenos Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:51 PM
We do Tom, and we don't often think to do so when things are going well, it is only when something disrupts our life that we realize this. thank-you Tom, best wishes, jennifer.
 Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 12:25 AM
A person feels sorry for those that are seeking a better life and needs to cross through unknown territory but it is happening everywhere and they become cheap labour to others.....well written Jennifer, you can feel the anxiety and the adrenaline pumping of these people seeking better things. Kim
Proxenos Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Yes Kim, so true and as you say it is happening worldwide. I feel something catastrophic will happen to our planet, a devastating world war or a worldwide epidemic which will wipe half of us out - we are just too many people! thank you for your comment, Hugs, Jennifer
Godwin Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 8:34 PM
Greedy people will use anyone or anything including those seeking a better life. You have captured the depths of their desire, the cruelty of the users and the cycle itself. This is hard hitting with its layers of reality laid out. You penned a poem to fit mankind's ongoing traits, desires and you did an excellent, touching job. All the best ... CayCay
Proxenos Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:42 PM
Hi Cay Cay nice to hear from you. Unfortunately you are quite right, it is a cycle, and the users and abusers know their exact point of exit - it is really very sad to think that all these people ever wanted and want, is a little bit of peace and comfort in their lives. You have understood their plight completely. thank-you for your meaningful comment. Hugs, Jennifer
Onclaud Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 1:47 PM
ohh, compelling work written with grit and compassion... you inspire, jennifer... spill ink!...huggs
Proxenos Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Hi Nette, What a heart felt comment - thank-you. You write beautiful poetry Nette, I am quite fascinated by it. Be well, hugs, Jennifer
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