These Are the Days

The days when the news show a ten year old walking
for miles in the sun with a pot on her head,
or rows of sad mothers,where nobody's talking
as one sits in a corner and cradles her dead.
These are the days when I check my loose money,
and though there's so little, I'm a Millionaire,
a loaf and some butter, my day is more sunny
than those in the shade with no food over there.
The days when I hear of an active volcano
fumes lethal to breathe, burning ash raining down,
what Dante's inferno is like only they know
as hot lava consumes every village and town.
These are the days when the things that need tending,
the grass may need cutting or branches, too long
are not all that important, far off lives are ending,
no flowers there blossom, no distant birdsong.
The days when we stand for a two minute silence
for those people whose lives were snuffed out on our streets
by misguided extremists whose language of violence
is snuffed out by the love of those they can't defeat.
These are the days when I kneel, speak and listen
to he who is waiting to answer my call
and though bottom lip trembles and eyes start to glisten
by my faith I know this world can get through it all.

For contest 'These are the days', sponsor Daniel Turner
June 5th 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Michael Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 4:38 AM
Well written...Wonderful message...All the best Viv
Wigley Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 6:09 AM
Thanks, Arturo, appreciate it. Regards, Viv
Krampe Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 3:44 AM
Very moving poem, Viv. Compared to most people in the world, we are incredibly lucky.
Wigley Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 6:09 AM
Indeed, Agnes, we are. Hope you're well. Viv x
Allison Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 3:27 AM
Your poem bought a lump to my throat Mr Viv, we are all millionaires in comparison to many. Adding this gem to my faves:-) hugs Jan xx
Wigley Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 6:09 AM
Thanks, Jan, very kind. We shyould be thankful for everything. Apart from verrucas x
Cunningham Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 3:00 AM
A brilliant verse Viv, and you said it all, we really have no cause to complain. Good luck. Tom. Hope you're on the mend.
Wigley Avatar
June 5, 2018 at 6:10 AM
Thanks, Tom, I'm getting there. Hope you're well. Regards, Viv
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace