There was a time when I once hoped
My children would grow in a land without fear
A place they could play and never be afraid
For themselves and those they hold dear.

I never saw what was happening to us
It was invisible to mere mortals like me
Too busy with our own lives to make a fuss
About how we wanted our world to be.

Then I stopped listening to the news
For all the terrible things they relay
I stressed as I tied my children’s shoes
Ready for them to go outside to play.

Now-days our world is a frightening place
With conflicts, wars & acts of treason
Children separated by colour, creed & race
And caused harm for no logical reason.

There are children dying from starvation
Or battling against some dreadful disease
Looking to all adults for their salvation
They are the innocents not our enemies.

The whole worlds’ children are victims
Of whatever atrocities some commit
They are paying the price for these sins
When their bodies are buried in a pit.

It is wrong how we are teaching them all
The way to detest, abuse & despise
Ignore & neglect the most vulnerable
And destroy the world in front of their eyes.

They can only learn from our leadership
And every person should do all they can
To resolve the causes of suffering & hardship
So we can fix the world in a long-term plan.

For every child deserves the best in life
No matter where their roots are bound
Sheltered from the worlds’ trouble & strife
Cared for and protected by all those around.

For these children are our worlds’ future
The generations who are yet to come
Who will have their own son or daughter
If we allow no more harm to be done.

Just for today take five minutes to ponder
On how to make this world a better place
The changes you could make and wonder
If it could begin by a simple smile on your face.

copyright 2006 Pauline Ann Drummie