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The Value of a Life

The Value of a Life For twenty long years my father served in the Air Force. My mother worked at home and always stayed the course. I was born with blonde hair; I’ve been loved since birth. I am a white man, what’s my life worth? I own my house; I’ve worked hard my whole life. I have two wonderful kids and an amazing wife. I live in the country, where I hunt and fish. I have plenty of food and I’ll always share my dish. I am a good person, but I have an addiction so I smoke. I love my morning coffee and the occasional coke. I’m an American citizen, I have been since birth. I am a white man, so what am I worth? I am a child of God; in his image I’m made. I’ve been stopped by police, but was never afraid. I’ve been cursed at and kicked for what I believe. Are any of God’s children beyond reprieve? I believe in Jesus, and follow the laws of man. I’m thankful and pray, whenever I can. I love my brothers and sisters all over this Earth. Now picture me black, what’s my life worth?

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Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 4/22/2021 11:49:00 PM

What a beautiful poem. I have always told my children that God loves beautiful bouquets, we are all His creation, all colors. His children will together worship Him from every tribe and every nation. This is very relevant, and many are asking the same question. Being judged for ones skin color hurts, no matter what the color, but God created us all.

Mark Koplin
Date: 4/24/2021 3:27:00 PM

I wish more people would look at skin color the way you do. Thank you so much BJ!

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 4/19/2021 5:17:00 PM

Hello Mark ... the final line in your poem really hits hard and the question is deeply thought provoking. How this can be solved is another question too - thanks Mark for this fine verse - Lindsay

Mark Koplin
Date: 4/20/2021 8:32:00 AM

Thanks Lindsay, that’s the question of the century.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 4/15/2021 1:23:00 PM

you raise a very interesting question, mark! an insightful poem with lots of food for thought...

Mark Koplin
Date: 4/16/2021 4:43:00 AM

Thanks Ilene!

L Milton Hankins

Date: 4/15/2021 9:33:00 AM

Very, very interesting, Mark. You pose the great question of the moment. I enjoyed your poem immensely. I feel very blessed, but I was born white, of course. I often wonder what my life would have been like had I been born black. When one of us suffers, we all suffer...at least I think so.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/15/2021 1:28:00 PM

I think it's a fine, contemporary poem.

Mark Koplin
Date: 4/15/2021 9:53:00 AM

I think many people take for granted how easy their lives are compared to some others. I know I do many times, but I’m working on it. I’m glad you liked it thanks Milton!

Alexis Y.

Date: 4/15/2021 9:20:00 AM

WoW! Mark, You penned such a moving and touching write about the value of one's life. But I didn't know I would need a tissue. God sees us all the same and equal. The problem is folk don't look at the world through his eyes. Your last line was so powerful and impactful. It showed empathy as well. Poems like this are life-changing. Well done. I’m adding these to my favs to read anytime I wish. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis

Mark Koplin
Date: 4/15/2021 9:49:00 AM

You are far too kind, thank you for that. All we can do is love one another, try not to judge and do the best we can.