Is it worth it?

To be

An aide worker in Africa,

In Eastern Europe,

In the Middle East?

Heart over-compassionate,

Brain ignored, saving some

At the risk of disease, torture,

Imprisonment, and death?

To hold

Only a limited education

And live as a laborer?

Coming home dirty,

Body aching

Never hoping for a career,

Hands aged like baseball gloves?

To love

Finding so much in common,

Then marriage, kids, and jobs

When divorce and custody

Comes calling?

Or empty nest,

Or sent to rest homes,

A burden to that generation?

To dream

Hoping so high

It reaches the ozone

But burns once grasped?

Being crushed,

Stomach punched,

Ruining innocence,

Over and over again?

To want

Things not essential,

Merely stuff,

A few baubles to play with

On a gold platter?

A little material world,

Enticing obsession?

To possess

Intelligence in a world of ignorance,

A world of forcefulness?

Everywhere,

Rich and poor,

Acquiescing automatons,

Or else individuals,

Executed for creativity…

Killed for not being

Part of the herd?

To survive

A life of struggle,

Suffering, and pain?

Poverty dug deeper each day,

While purveyors of cruelty

Maintain no escape,

No euthanasia,

No dignity,

Even in death?