Why?

This is the first poem I wrote in a few years. My previous ones were all about romance, unrequited love, and the like. This was my first attempt at writing a poem that did not involve those things.

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

When I look out at the world and see so much pain

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

 

Why do men steal, and politicians lie?

How can so many people refuse to use their brain?

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

 

How come everyday, soldiers are sent to die

Often for reasons even they can’t explain

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

 

How can those preachers tell me I’m going to fry?

They hurt those boys, yet my actions are profane

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

 

Why do so many give up before they even try?

Instead of acting, they simply sit and complain

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

 

Why does love make you feel like you can fly?

But also cause a pain likely to drive you insane.

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

 

Why do those we cherish say goodbye?

All that time and all that love, it was all in vain

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

 

Why are we seen as nothing more than a ‘nice guy’?

I feel like I’m barely crawling in the fast lane

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

 

When will we abandon the idea of “An eye for an eye”?

When can we open our minds, and end the rain

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

 

It’s so hard to find beauty in a world gone awry

Even if I believe it’s there, it’s so hard to attain

I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why?’

Why must my mother weep, and grown men cry?

Author's Note

This follows the rhyme scheme of a Villanelle, but exceeds the usual length of a Villanelle. I'm mostly looking for insight on content and structure. I would love suggestions on how to improve either this particular piece or my writing in general. Thank you in advance for your time.

Reviews

[the in between]

Why do those we cherish say goodbye?
All that time and all that love, it was all in vain

It’s so hard to find beauty in a world gone awry
Even if I believe it’s there, it’s so hard to attain

These are my favorite lines this poem is very touching. I wish i knew the answer too. Maybe because without suffering there would be no compassion. i dont know. Anyways I enjoyed reading this you should write more haha

[A-Lovely-Anxiety]

I really like it!! it has a softness to it that is so beautiful it made me cry!

"Why must my wother weep, and grown men cry?" Favorite line.

Thanks for your review as well!