My Son

It's heartbreaking this still happens to people somewhere in the globe.

Run my son, quick! Hide.
For the hour is upon us.
Noon it is, lunchtime is nigh.
Hide away until it passes.
But tonight we'll not sleep hungry.

Come now, good son of mine.
You were very intelligent there.
Just like the hour's gone,
The hunger pangs will also go.
But tonight we'll not sleep hungry.

Let's hurry, the sun is sinking.
Away we go, the night is evil.
Faster! You are not burdened
But lighter, for the hunt was null.
But tonight we'll not sleep hungry.

Look! Obedient son of ours.
Home sweet home, she's waiting
Your mother, to welcome us back
From our barren bount hunting.
But tonight we'll not sleep hungry.

Son, go lie on your mat
She's sobbing, go, I'll calm her.
Do have a rest, you're tired too.
Sleep if you can, I'll soon awake you.
But tonight we'll not sleep hungry.

Snore aloud all you want son,
It helps forget the empty stomach.
Mom and dad will sleep too
We live for another day's hope
But tomorrow we'll not sleep hungry.

Author's Note

I wrote this because I was at that point when I was young.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This is an interesting offering not only for what is said, but what is implied. After the first reading I thought the topic was famine because of the refrain that ends each stanza. Interestingly, in the last one, it changes from "tonight we'll not sleep hungry" to "tomorrow we'll not sleep hungry." We are also told that the son will be hungry tonight. The hunt has not been successful. In verse 1, the father urges the son to hide quickly, so it is possible enemies are near. We are not told who they are, but my guess is the soldiers of another country, or possibly terrorists. Whatever the case, the poet is right; it is heartbreaking that these things still occur.

[Dara]

Your words describe this very bittersweet memory magnificently. It must have been so difficult but yet the love that you had/have with your parents is simply touching. My daughter married a man from Kenya. I am not sure what his life was like but I can imagine there are still so many families going through the same thing.

[Victor Warui]

Emerged stronger after those days. Things have changed for the better today and am sure your daughter had a good time. Thank you for the review.

[Tom]

A powerful poetic rendition, yes I totally agree, very sad indeed that this happens in this so called 'modern' world!

[Victor Warui]

Yeah, it does... Thanks for the review.

[Victor Warui]

Yeah, it does... Thanks for the review.