Where Have the Young Girls Gone

Inside the town of Chibok the tears flow in pain
Abduction, unexpected; abhorrence and disdain.
They came with evil intent and took the girls away
These are but harmless children, for what are they to pay?
Are these the brave insurgents who flaunt the law at will
By taking girls as hostage, their hearts with terror fill?
What’s wrong with education? Of what are they afraid?
Is this the real mettle from which true men are made?
Release them, they are children; your deeds are wrong and fake
Just listen to the pleading. Wake up for heaven’s sake!

(Written after the kidnapping of nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls in April 2014.) 

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Contest:  a poem you have not entered in a poetry soup contest #1 
Sponsor:  Poet Destroyer A
Placing:  3rd
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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12
Kayode Avatar
January 15, 2015 at 11:26 AM
Thank you Paul for this. I was not around when this fatherly appeal was made.I am just walking in your field of roses now when I come about my own. I am a Nigerian you will remember this my friend as such you have multiplied my love for you with this concern you have shown to my People in our time of need. Thank you for playing you part my darling friend may the good God reward you for this kind gesture you extended to us...huggs
Callus Avatar
January 16, 2015 at 2:04 PM
Kayode, first of all thank you for walking through my poetry garden; secondly anything that deals with injustices tugs at my heart, especially where innocent children are concerned. I am glad you appreciate my humble efforts. Take care. hugs // paul (I have long wondered if Ade is an abbreviated name!)
Ward Avatar
May 21, 2014 at 5:16 AM
Hi Paul, I have just read where have all the young girls gone And I find that your vocabulary is amazing can I buy some from you. I think you should have come first. Well done. Regards. MIKE
Callus Avatar
May 21, 2014 at 9:56 AM
Hi Michael! So pleased to have you visiting! Love your positive comments...and praise:) Next time I'll ask to have you as a judge:)) Vocabulary comes natural, after all English is my second language (after Maltese). Once again...thank you. // paul
Hamilton Avatar
May 18, 2014 at 4:49 AM
still a great read Paul congrats on win hugs
Callus Avatar
May 18, 2014 at 9:42 AM
Thank you for stopping by...and for wishes/hugs:) // paul
Dietrich Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 10:01 PM
congratulations for your win with this one, Paul!
Callus Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Many thanks Andrea; congrats to you on such a positive winning streak:) // paul
Mohn Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Powerful and well written Paul...congrats
Callus Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 8:18 AM
Thank you David. a most welcome visit! cu // paul
Allison Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 1:10 PM
A wonderful write on such a heartbreaking story Paul. well deserved winner - sorry I missed seeing this fabulous write earlier. Hugs Jan xxx
Allison Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Am trying Paul - will happen one day :-) The most important thing is I am learning so much every day and having fun and that is the best prize of all. Hugs my friend. Jan xxxx
Callus Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 8:11 AM
That top rung is well within your reach....go for it /xx/ paul
Allison Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 4:32 PM
I can't believe how well I've done recently Paul. That elusive first place I simply fail to reach, but getting second is awesome considering I've only been here 3 1/2 months and only started writing after Bob's illness so out of something bad something amazing has happened in my life. Hugs as ever Jan xxxx
Callus Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 4:27 PM
Thank you Jan. I too miss writes:) It's impossible to keep up with all the poems that get uploaded. You've put on a good show these past days....on the podium:) congrats. // paul
A. Sharma Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 1:47 AM
Glad to be back again with congratulations on a wonderful message packed write Paul !
Callus Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Thank you Dr. Upma...so kind of you to come back with congrats. I'm off to see the winning list; hope you're on it:) //paul
A   Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 12:12 AM
Hello Paul, Congratulations!!! Thank you for supporting my contest... Always~ Linda
Callus Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Hi Linda! Thank you for placing me on the podium once again:) I try to take part in all your contests, but they 'sell out' so quickly that I keep missing the boat! take care.....paul
Kos Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 4:55 PM
I really think I've commented on this one before!!! (or very similar one??) Anyhow, Great job, PAUL. I'm also concerned with topics like these. I hope you're doing great. merhaba
Callus Avatar
May 15, 2014 at 5:48 PM
Thank you for stopping by Ivo...and for the lovely remarks. Do not work too hard!! (In Maltese 'merhba' is 'welcome'. I will now say 'sahha'. // paul
Dietrich Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 4:08 PM
Keep up your good work pointing out the injustices of this world, Paul. This would have made a good miltonic sonnet with just a few adjustments!
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 4:21 PM
Thank you Andrea; we know that injustices exist, but feel helpless when trying to do something about them; in my case I try and use the pen. :) // paul
O.J. Hunt Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 2:19 PM
A great concern, yes, good righteous write Paul, my head shakes everyday from the injustice in the world...
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 2:32 PM
This world is full of injustices; this is but one of them. It's our job to try, at least, to keep a balance. txs for stopping by. // paul
Gasun Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 3:47 AM
A very beautiful heartfelt poem with great message my dear friend Paul. I love it and so enjoyed reading it today. Thank you so much for sharing! love and big hugs, Leonora
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Thank you Leonora; lovely comments and hugs make for a very welcome visit:) cu // paul
Merrill Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 12:56 AM
Hi Paul, what a nice write. I really appreciate the rhyme and meter, and above all, the message. What's wrong with education? Indeed! Kudos, my friend...mel
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 9:58 AM
Thank you Mel for stopping by, but even more for the positive comments. cu // paul
Richards Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 9:02 PM
This heartbreak is so unspeakable, but we must not turn our heads......thank you for your thoughts, and reminders to pray for them. :)
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 9:47 AM
Appreciate your comments, Carrie. From the latest news...seems like there might be a ray of hope. Prayers do help! :) // paul
Hamilton Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 6:35 PM
a horror that touches any parents soul Paul sensitively dealt with great pen hugs
Callus Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Many thanks Shadow! Good thing so much more is now being done, news-wise, to bring awareness of the situation. Hopefully common sense will prevail. // paul
A. Sharma Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Immensely touching emotional write wid a msg too Paul! loved this one! and last but not the least to add to the irony is female foeticide !! Its really sad //upma//
Callus Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 1:20 PM
Will be watching out for it..!
A. Sharma Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 11:49 AM
'A muffled cry of an unborn daughter' wud be my title for a similar theme next Paul .... Coming soon !
Callus Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 11:36 AM
Thank you Dr. Upma; yes, I am sure that many people are against these cowardly actions..as you said, it's all very sad...a stain on humanity! // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 9:18 AM
A very moving write Paul. A sad reality for these young girls. The play on words on the title, brings to mind Pete Seger's song.
Callus Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 10:29 AM
Thank you for the positive comments, Richard. You have just reminded me of the song "Where have all the flowers gone?" by Pete Seger...same title would have been ideal for this. // paul
Dietrich Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 8:37 AM
It's all so very sad. Reminds me of that poor girl that was shot at by evil men last year and now she is the symbol for all young women who are downtrodden in the world. good one!!
Callus Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 9:53 AM
Yes, Andrea, both episodes go hand in hand. It's amazing how females in parts of the world are still being treated so degradingly. They are no less deserving than men. txs for stopping by :) // paul
Khan Avatar
May 12, 2014 at 12:11 AM
What a poem! A masterpiece! I really liked it very very much...SUPER EXCELLENT!
Callus Avatar
May 12, 2014 at 5:26 PM
Many thanks Saba! So glad you liked it. very encouraging feedback. cu // paul
Duggan Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 7:28 PM
Very heartfelt poem Paul, this is something that not happen in this day and age, it is so sad I really feel for these girls and the families, great write, Take care..........Vera............
Callus Avatar
May 12, 2014 at 5:18 PM
Hi Vera! I'm glad that the message has come out loud and clear. If the problem is not controlled it will spread even more. Take care (and slow down on the housework:)) // paul
Horne Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 6:24 PM
heartfelt write on a sad, sad subject, my friend
Callus Avatar
May 12, 2014 at 5:07 PM
Thank you Jack; as you say...this is a sad thing; should never happen! // paul
Kendrick Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 4:09 PM
This is a sad happening in a world where we should have grown in better character with each generation..What were they thinking?..Enjoyed your work about a very up to date topic..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Callus Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 4:20 PM
Hi Sara! I appreciate you stopping by and giving your support by commenting so positively. txs. // paul
La France Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 3:47 PM
Paul, your poem says it all, such a terrible thing to happen, I pray these girls are returned to their families soon
Callus Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 4:17 PM
May your words come true! Yes, this is so terrible; Unbelievable what humans do to other humans! txs for stopping by:) // paul
Onclaud Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 1:09 PM
a sullen mood ; saw this on TV, paul.. a powerful write that pierces the sense.. huggs
Callus Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 2:59 PM
Thank you Nette for stopping by and showing your support with appropriate comments:) cu /x/ paul
Chun Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 6:56 AM
My child is the world.... I am to protective, but in todays society I can not be.... Many a things I think as I read what you have written. So sad a society we live in where this is an occurrence....
Callus Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 2:57 PM
I agree with you Kristy. I am sure that most mothers are protective of their children, especially in a world where temptation is rife. This special case deserves special mention, for obvious reasons. Thank you for the visit:) // paul
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