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
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An enjoyable reading from a magnificent poetic writing.
Healthy Creativive life to all.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
"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.
Love, Bonnie
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