We Are All Witnesses

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  • Thought Provoking

    Poem Commentary

    If each able person did one thing each day for someone other than thenselves this Earth we call home would be enriched. 

    We Are All Witnesses

    As we draw close to a new year it is time to take pause

    and examine this world and its many many flaws

    Surrounded by beauty beyond human imagination

    We must also look beyond at the existing abominations    

    We all stand as witnesses to the following acts

    So do not look the other way in the face of these facts

     

    Eighteen thousand children die each day from starvation.

    Three point five million people are homeless in our nation.

    Atrocities against the innocent continue in many far off lands.

    Politicians that serve special interests are ignoring our demands

    Thousands of the infirm and aged are abused and neglected

    Helpless animals are mistreated, their rights unprotected

    The Earth’s environment is poisoned and needlessly spoiled

    Children are sold into prostitution; their innocence forever soiled

     

    So as you reflect on today’s many blessings in your life

    Just remember that others are faced with misery and strife

    And as your children frolic with their new Christmas toys

       Just remember that others will never experience such joys

    Irrespective of your religion or spiritual persuasion

     Look deep into your soul and search for true inspiration

    For if you and I choose to ignore these human infractions             

    We as witnesses will be left with no excuse for our inactions

     

    ©Copyright Charlie Gragg, December 26, 2009

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    Marsink commented on We Are All Witnesses

    02-14-2010

    Yes, I agree. There is always a call to our character, for good to be better, and great to excellence. There wasn't much frolic with toys, but, a wise crooner once sang,"Count Your Blessings". I feel it's imperative to pass them on as well
    Reply to Comment

    Merlyn commented on We Are All Witnesses

    02-08-2010

    Tears run down my face as I twist and writhe with the pain of OUR truth. I, myself, feel the strong draw, as a witness, to make some difference. I feed the homeless. What do all of you DO? If we all commit to do something, anything, I believe the world will have so much less pain. Relieve some of. KUDOS for this true eye opener!
    Reply to Comment

    Hampton

    02/08/2010

    You are correct. If we all did one small thing we could move mountains.

    Hiporlacking commented on We Are All Witnesses

    12-30-2009

    When you say it like that it sounds bad. Ha. It is a sorry state of affairs we're in. What's even sadder is that this comprehensive list isn't even half of the problems we ignore. Nice write.
    Reply to Comment

    Hampton

    12/30/2009

    Thanks.

    SavVySam commented on We Are All Witnesses

    12-30-2009

    So very sadly true and worthy of being brought to the forefront every now and then! Good for you, and thanks for sharing!
    Reply to Comment

    charles52 commented on We Are All Witnesses

    12-29-2009

    Great, powerful words. We do not treat each other like we would like to be treated. Your poem does an excellent of stating this sad fact. Thanks for sharing. Charles
    Reply to Comment

    Hampton

    12/29/2009

    Thanks for reading and commenting.

    Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does.

    Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) U.S. poet.

    Hampton’s Poems (111)

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