What in the World?

A few thoughts I've been ruminating on lately that have come to the surface on today's somber anniversary.

Cities transformed into war zones

Like some third-world police state.

People hating, mistrusting,

Misunderstanding each other

Based on class. 

Or race. 

Or religion.

Elders mistreated and disrespected.

Children going hungry and uneducated,

Bundles of wasted potential.

 

Politicians promoting their puritanical notions.

Telling others whom they can love and marry.

Trying to keep women in “their place.”

Petty partisan bickering

So that nothing constructive gets done.

Corruption.

 

Abroad, more of the conflicts

that have been smoldering and flaring for centuries.

Barbarism.

Unspeakable atrocities in the name of country or God.

Innocents in harm’s way.

Those trying to spread the story

Captured and murdered

In the most gruesome, horrendous fashion imaginable.

Corporations and governments

Indifferent to the damage they do,

Only caring about the bottom line.

Again, corruption.

Our problems are interconnected with the world’s.

 

Won’t it ever end?

I wish there were more I could do.

I can only throw words at it

And hope and pray that enough people

Come to their senses

And work for transformation.

 

Yet each good and innocent soul

Lost to the insanity of this world

Is not forever lost.

It is a light that will never be extinguished.

It is now one of many stars in the heavens

And their combined light will prevail.

Author's Note

Really random musings...it's up to you guys whether I leave it up.

Reviews

[Renée]

Leave it up Jennie... we need to read this often so we know..we are not alone in our questions and thoughts.
It is said "the meek shall inherit the earth" of course it is Biblical..and I am a Christian..but reading this piece it made me think of that verse and I wonder if all those hateful people will finally finish each other off and a few of the meek..shall walk out of a cave..inheriting all that is left.

[Jennie Baron]

That's an interesting scenario, for sure. It might be good depending on how much they destroy in finishing each other off (think of the antiquities destroyed in Iraq and the cities of Syria reduced to rubble). Nothing has changed in over a year since I posted this poem. It's gotten some positive comments so it will stay up. Thank you so much for reading, Renee. The opinion of a poet like you means a lot. Regards, Jen

[Renée]

So much to say, I'm glad you are keeping it up..

[chrisbe]

Very topical and poignant ,
I think we are all feeling the same, but more often than not, to afraid to voice it.
I really like the piece, its jagged and edgy, exactly as it should be.
A great read. Thank you

[Jennie Baron]

It's I who should thank you! I much appreciate your reading and review.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
Greed, Pride, arrogance- not necesarily in that order. Humanity a mixed up messed up state. Things world-wide do seem out of control. Media let's it all out onto our living room floors and reminds we people in our very diferent worlds that other people just like us with similar pasions and hopes are floundering. Oh!......................Kathy

[Jennie Baron]

In hindsight I wish I had brought out the role media is playing in all this. Thanks for pointing that out and reading and reviewing.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

An interesting and thought provoking piece ... Speaking of peace, all peoples lay claim to seeking, desiring, and preserving peace, even if they must wage war to do so ... Where we go when we leave this world is a matter of speculative theory that no one can prove, beyond one's assertions of whatever faith they may cling to in hope of life beyond this one, though your personal concept is quite lovely and imaginative ... All in all, you have penned to page much truthful reality of the state of our existence upon this planet ... We don't need change we can believe in, we need change that works--that is truly beneficial to all mankind down to the smallest individual, including those who are yet unborn within the safe haven sanctuary of their mother's wombs ... It is quite logical to assess that if we place no value upon those tiny individuals, how shall we ever learn to value human life that walks this earth seeking to live in peace, tranquility, prosperity, and happiness? ... Yes, it is an insane world ... Well done ...

[Jennie Baron]

I so appreciate your words and your time to read. I published this some time ago but it's as true now as it was then. Thanks so very much!

[Dave]

Jennie - you must leave it up even if it's just a whisper against the roar of mass insanity.
Somewhere, somehow someday the world and all the wacked out people in it will come to
their senses and realize that this is the only home that we all have. Or like you am I just
dreaming or hoping against hope that it'll happen?

[Jennie Baron]

I've received enough positive response to this poem that it has stayed published for some time, but I'm always happy to get reads. Yeah, maybe I am just a dreamer, but it sounded so negative without that positive note in the last stanza.

[Confuser]

Jennie: What in the World?>>Wonderful title. It's complete insanity, murderers taking religious literature, not even literally, which I don't but molding and shaping to fit their crazed minds. I hope many people read this; for they will learn. Politicians, we don't have them; they bought by the highest bidders, I can understand why some people hate Americans, but it's not us...we don't have the control. In the world and in US, you are correct, people are starving mistreated and all I hear is war. It's so disheartingly, so somber. This piece is filled with strong emotions that evoke images that are terrible, but necessary. The ending is beautiful as well, and I have to believe that...The 1% in America rules, and doesn't understand the importance of the middle class: Greed and inhumanity rules, I like you hope and pray it will end. Not rambling, great writing and I thank you very much. Dale

[Jennie Baron]

Thank YOU! Reactions like this are the reason we write. It's humbling and gratifying to read such reviews. And you know what? This year I think this poem is as true as ever, with the police-involved shootings in Baltimore and Missouri and the subsequent violence, and just a couple of days ago gang violence in Waco, Texas. I have to keep rereading the last stanza of this poem to encourage myself.

[Confuser]

You're welcome and so true the last stanza really helped me...I saw that about Waco, and OMG, again, What in The World, people have gone mad...just crazy. All the violence is nuts; I just don't get it. I never will.

[Brittany Zedalis]

This is a fitting piece for the event it was written for. Indeed, it would be nice if the world came to its senses about such tragedy and malice.

[Jennie Baron]

Very nice indeed. I was also thinking about the journalists and others who had been gruesomely executed about the same time, and it's still going on. I'm so glad that you stopped by to read this and hopefully it spoke to you.

[Moonie]

Your words speak volumes. Perhaps we can get them printed on a million fliers and stick them all over the globe. Corruption, war, illiteracy, discrimination, mistrust,--you had them all, which is in itself a difficult enough feat. Plus, your poem is like a rhythmic condemnation of all the atrocities, and is quite a heartfelt write. Well done, ma'am!!!:) :)

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so very much, Moon! The reaction has even made me think of using this for a poetry anthology or reading.

[Moonie]

You're very welcome!!:)))) That is a great idea.

[child of God]

I think i found your work on that theme i dont know but if i didnt this is still beautiful write it is very true thank you for sharing 😊

[Jennie Baron]

Yes, this is the poem that yours reminded me of. I'm glad you liked it.

[child of God]

Yay challenge complete i just had to to find it

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

This really speaks to the readers, this is really brilliant, and meaningful.
This world can be a hard place to live in for many reasons, and sometimes life isn't fair.
This poem speaks of this
I think this was deep, meaningful, honest, sad and REAL!
Enjoyed the read :)

[Jennie Baron]

Your reading and review are much appreciated. "Real" is one of the words I most like to hear about my writing efforts. And yes, sad, although I held onto this one for a while until I could come up with that hopeful note at the end.

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

I enjoy reading and reviewing your work :)