Children of the Barrios (poem) by Anthony Hall on AuthorsDen

Children of the Barrios
by Anthony Hall → (All Poetry by Anthony Hall)
Not rated by the Author.

Save

A few years ago I did some volunteer work for a charity organization called 'BOOKS for the BARRIOS'. They collect school books and other needed supplies for the barrio school in the Philippines. You can read more about them on their website at: www.booksforthebarrios.com I wrote this poem for them and the children.

No longer in the shadows with no one to hear their voice Little children of the Philippines Whose future offers little choice Their pitiful cries were smothered under our smug indifference It will take tremendous power to tear down this mental fence Our apathy has barricaded our ability to see with open-minded understanding instead we plod on selfishly Unconcerned about some barrio or the minds that are in need all we send to them are newsmen and wishes of �God speed!� Not one that can act deaf and dumb or pretend that I am blind to the troubles facing innocent ones when there are answers we could find So I�ll use words like a hammer to drive in empathetic nails that can dissolve ignorance and hate Prejudice uses to assail Soon we will turn the world�s attention to these children, hear their voice Education will give them power Knowledge gives them a choice Copyright �2004 Anthony Hall

Reviewed by Andre Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed on June 30, 2004

"Children of the Barrios" delivers a message of humanity and social responsibility on the road of a poem.

An enjoyable reading from a magnificent poetic writing.

Healthy Creativive life to all.

Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)

Wow! Anthony...I donated some copies of my first children's book
"Fredi," about a tree frog, to this same organization. Fulfilling,
isn't it? Made me feel better than those sold at signings. I'll wager
that's the way it was for you, too. Reading is the key to a whole new
world for these kids...and...some adults, too!

This is a lovely poem, "thinking" poet.

Reviewed by Evelyn Simon

Excellently written my friend. :)

Reviewed by Bonnie Torrente

A wise poem Anthony, from a wise young man.

Love, Bonnie

Reviewed by Cynthia Castle (Reader)

Reviewed on June 29, 2004

Anthony,

What a Lovely tribute to these children and volunteers! ...Strong last stanza! ...You have a grand, kind heart, Dear Poet! ...I was very touched by this write! Thanks for sharing it!

Cynthia

Reviewed by Debby Rosenberg

Nice to know there are wonderful volunteers in the world like yourself lending a hand to these causes.