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..

[NoelHC]

It does seem like the inmates are running the asylum, Jennie, and you have captured that turmoil well. I for one would support leaving this up.

[Jennie Baron]

I think I will, Noel. Thanks as always for reading!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

please do leave this up, Jennie..

it's important to note, we can only throw our words into the insanity...as poets...but will they be read? will they be heeded?

I too wish there was more that I could do...

only we can change what in the world there is.

well done...
jacob

[Jennie Baron]

Okay, I respect your opinion and will take your advice. Thanks so much (again ) for your reading and review.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

It is so sad, for as far as we have come we have also taken so many steps backwards… this world should be filled with compassion not ignorance…love not hate, the condition of humanity is it is on life support, it is up to us to keep it alive by still believing it will get better and doing our part to make it so. As Garth brooks sings in "The Change" "As long as one heart still believes then hope is never really gone"

A very artistic rant.

[Jennie Baron]

"Artistic rant" is a great way to describe it. Maybe the last stanza sounds like I've read Dean Koontz too much. And on reflection it's maybe thinly veiled Christian theology (i.e., maybe it will take divine intervention for the light to prevail).

Thanks for being so supportive and being the first to review this!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

I love Dean Koontz work… I enjoy your poetry and should thank you for your support of mine.