The Umbrella

As I lie on the beach
The umbrella shields my face.
It's a protection on my part.
The sun's rays I don't embrace.

As I lie on my blanket
I peak from beneath.
I can't handle what I see.
I return to the umbrella's sheath.

The sun's rays are harsh.
They leave me with a burn.
So I avoid them if I can.
It's one thing I've come to learn.

For those who worship the sun,
Many negative things can come.
Cancer is just one thing
Which does come to some.

On the other hand,
There are those who say,
"For each hour in the sun,
You'll live another day."

Who should I listen to?
Who is saying what is true?
Should I work to change?
Should I continue as I now do?

When I think of taking the umbrella down,
A part of me says "NO",
Because it would then mean
I have no safe haven to go.

I've come to the point in life
That I feel a little change would do.
I'll come out from the umbrella
For some minutes, if only a few.

From that point I will see
Just how I react.
Perhaps, just someday
I'll have it exact.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace