A shrug of the shoulders

Indifference

while people are suffering

lives, love and left-overs

all buried

under the mudslide of ignorance

Blame it on nature

while those numb from calamity

live on a shaky carpet

while all kinds of skeletons

are 

swept

beneath.

Author's Note

In August 2017 Sierra Leone had a mudslide, killing 1141 people. Evidence suggests now that it was not merely a "natural disaster" but that poor planning, like building on unstable areas without permits, could have contributed to this tragedy. Meanwhile, those who lost loved ones continue to suffer, and no one is taking any responsibility.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a brilliant & original way to decry what’s happening constantly all over this planet. How about a sizable chunk of Puerto Rico still being without power with another hurricane season upon us? The examples go on & on. But in your well-crafted example, the “mudslide” metaphor is a dramatic way to plant a picture in the reader’s mind, especially the buried skeletons. It makes me sick the way the news over-analyzes each righteous political outrage, but we never hear about the silent tragedies that go on & on. Thanks for a caring message told intelligently (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Crowley]

You would think we would have better support systems for these kind of tragedies but instead of getting better it seems to be getting worse, and the numbness is a problem, and that numbness climbs to the highest rungs of the biggest ladders and back down to us. Great words to shed some light....loved this.

[Chris Shaw]

Natural disasters can cause complete havoc and life loss. They happen. However if this could have been avoided with the event you have written about and the evidence points to bad planning, that really is totally unacceptable. People should be held accountable for their mistakes, to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen again. Your short poem is powerfully delivered, and packs a punch.

Chris

[SleeplessVolcano]

Tx Chris - the sad reality is that if that area would get a lot of rain, the same thing is bound to happen
.......

[Chris Shaw]

Tragic. So sad for those in that region.

[Einstein Noodle]

the forces of Nature always point me to how much we humans are so very not in charge, nor even close to on top of things ... these tragedies of lost life made more horrific by irresponsible behavior, in this case building codes and compliance with them, compounds the sadness ..i was not aware of this devastating mud slide as i have been off news for a while ..seems healthier mentally and spiritually ..so much junk in the news these days ... anyway ..thanks for sharing your heartfelt concerns ..i will read up on it ... perhaps there is something even I can do to help :{
E.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Accountability is a virtue sadly lacking from modern society...perhaps sadder even still are those which know the reasons but are silent from fear or desperation. A good solid write my friend.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Fabian.....It is sad when what is wrong is not corrected. Poets can be the conscience of society, right?

[Fabian G. Franklin]

We should all hope to impact, even slightly, our surroundings with our words for the betterment of all. A kind word or gesture or even a rant about injustice can have a positive impact. Bless.