Mark Koplin Poet Rhyme

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 April 22, 2021 at 11:49 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 April 24, 2021 at 3:27 PM I wish more people would look at skin color the way you do. Thank you so much BJ!

Lindsay Laurie April 19, 2021 at 5:17 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 April 20, 2021 at 8:32 AM Thanks Lindsay, that’s the question of the century.

Ilene Bauer April 15, 2021 at 1:23 PM you raise a very interesting question, mark! an insightful poem with lots of food for thought... Mark Koplin April 16, 2021 at 4:43 AM Thanks Ilene!

L Milton Hankins April 15, 2021 at 9:33 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 April 15, 2021 at 1:28 PM I think it's a fine, contemporary poem. Mark Koplin April 15, 2021 at 9:53 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. April 15, 2021 at 9:20 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 April 15, 2021 at 9:49 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.

Jenna Logan April 15, 2021 at 9:03 AM Mark, what a wonderful expose' of the worth of a life, no matter the color. We're all flawed. Mark Koplin April 15, 2021 at 9:46 AM Indeed we are, some more than others unfortunately. Thank you so much Jenna!

John Lawless April 15, 2021 at 9:01 AM poetically, politically and patriotically right on target Mark. Mark Koplin April 15, 2021 at 9:44 AM Thanks John!

Jan Allison April 15, 2021 at 8:54 AM what a fabulous message Mark, in the word of MJ 'it makes no matter if you're black or white'. hugs jan xx Mark Koplin April 15, 2021 at 9:44 AM Absolutely, thank you my friend

Kim Merryman April 15, 2021 at 8:47 AM A powerful message in this, Mark! Obviously it shouldn't matter what color our skin is. We are all human. Blessings, Kim M Mark Koplin April 15, 2021 at 9:42 AM Thanks Kim, maybe one day the color of our skin won’t matter anymore.