A Young Child's Cry

A poem about one of the two topics I'm most passionate about.

Ten miles down...ten to go,

I'm so far from home, only attempting to live.

The day has gone to dusk, I walk on in agony.

Quiet in this city, I'm the lone provider.

Water sources scarce, but possible.

 

Somebody come to me, somebody carry me away.

Deep in the heart of this town, a young child cries.

That child's stomach is devoid of life, devoid of life.

Somewhere back home, many more children weep,

weep for the life they deserve to have...

weep for the life they must live still.

 

My legs give out as the water is in sight,

I gather the strength God has given me, trudge forward.

The water is murky, poisonous. We must drink for life.

What I wouldn't give for a decent life...

what I wouldn't give for my baby brother to have a better life than I.

 

Today, six of our family members left this Earth.

They will not come back, for the water killed them.

That only supporter of our lives, was the killer.

Momma's sick once more, Father can't help.

She'll be gone soon, too, leaving Father and I alone.

Our family will not survive.

 

I retrieve the water, begin the journey to the village.

The golden sun peeks about the think, lifeless trees.

I am alone, I am vulnerable.

Thieves lurk in the night, they could spot my supplies.

My legs pick up, as I finally return home.

 

In the village, life is beautiful.

My family is still alive, for now.

The day has begun with water, and a feast of sorts.

When I awaken from this wondrous dream,

life goes on uninterrupted, hungry.

 

My life will soon be over, and in the distance....

a young child cries.

Quiet as the wind on the land...

that child dies.

 

Perhaps I am next.

No one cares to save me.

Author's Note

I nearly cried when writing this. No one knows how passionate I am about starving children in other countries. I'm supporting a child in Malawi named Tryness, and she's amazing. I can't believe these things happen to such beautiful, passionate young children. All I want to do is help them. :(

P.S- If this was a little too sad for some of you, I'm sorry. I had to speak the truth.

Reviews

[luxa333]

Tryness would love it!! you are amazing!!!

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Excellent poem that touched the heart!

[Casey Dusek]

Purely genious... You have the voice of a true writer! You've created a poem, that has truly made me sit back and thank the highest power I was blessed with a hard, but in the end, good life. It's a piece of writing that makes you realize someone always has it worse then yourself. A+ :D

[ImagineItAll]

This was pretty amazing. As passionate as it was, it was always very, very sad. You wrote beautifully about something you care about, and the poem came naturally. I hope this reaches out to many people and convinces them to help with the cause. Very well done.

[Erinne S.]

This was a beautiful write and tribute to all those children out there. I have actually gone to these countries and witnessed this lifestyle for these poor children. While I was there I did all that I could and they appreciate every little bit. They are the sweetest of kids and it breaks my heart seeing what they have to live with. Loved this poem! Thank you so much for sharing.

~Erinne

[Short.Nerd]

Wow.... that was just sad. I hate the idea of starving children and when I really think about it I feel horrible for having so much sometimes... :( Great write though! And good for you for supporting Tryness. :)

[Yina]

This was really sad an I almost cried to but absolutely not to sad. If you can't stand to read this, try imagining living through it!! Sorry I get very defensive:/ :)
Once I have a full time job, I want to support a child to:)