Ode To Her That Passed Her Life Alone In the School Zone

 

I saw a baby dying in the street today.

A school zone, cars passing Slo Mo,

Everything extra stilted and feeble

Like her silent screams.

O’ the horror and (lack of) humanity!

To die alone on the white line.

 

Life draining, mouth shaking

Open to cry.

Ah, but I am late.

Heads turn, eyes glaze;

No one sees.

No one stops in Apathy.

Nothing is real anymore but

 

The constant media stream

From radios and  TVs.

 

To be out and about without

The shiny lights & jingling sounds-

All faces are wooden,

Eyes are dead.

I cry for her, I do.

She is only a baby after all-

Even if of the Feline Persuasion.

Her legs struggle to crawl.

 

Her cries are silent,

 But mine will be heard.

Author's Note

I really did see a baby dying in the street-and no one stop to help her, me included. It shames me the lack of compassion we as a society have for our fellow creatures.

Reviews

[Leah]

I rescue helpless (live/ injured) younguns and adopt them out. The poem moved my spirit. There's nothing more heartwrenching then witnessing a death of one so pure and innocent. Even if it has no soul and walks on four legs.

[J]

Oh, a kitty?

I used to be a vet assistant/anaesthetic nurse for a few years so... I saw a lot of grisly stuff. Made me stronger, I guess... so... I can definitely relate and empathise...

That's all I'll say...
J

[[untitled]]

There is no Great Society.
I have not always been a city dweller
but when I am I'm a cold s**t.
Looking to get out of this cesspool
called NYC for once and all!

Excellent poem!
Jack

[jen -- JG]

Very well written. The title dragged me in, your words led me on and in the ending - where the twist is - I had no feeling of disappointment. I did not expect that ending - but it fitted the theme of the poem.

The imagery of the scene here is strong - I can see and feel the apathy, and sense the panic and fear of the dying baby. All the more tragic because we know what is happening but the baby doesn't.

You made my heart weep in sympathy for the baby, and cry for the insensitivity of the human race.

Very well done.

[Legion]

:( So sad. How true. Apathy seems to rule this society today.