Courage in a cup of rice...

 

I look in your eyes
so empty… hungry
holding up a cup…
Once a day you come
walking for miles

through hot sun

or fierce rains…

Doesn’t matter does it?

You come for bits of rice

and a few specks of dirt…
Each grain one more breath

one more day to live

one more night

in starving sleep…

You wander off

I see you disappear

in the dust of day…
And I am awakened to 
my life lived in ease
of comforts and quiet…

Meal upon meal

hoping I’m thankful

having more than I need

feeling full every day…
I am inspired
by your courage
in a cup of rice.

Reviews

[Lizanne]

You say it all with this piece. There is hunger everywhere. It is a shame that in a land of plenty so many do without. We invest in adorning ourselves in life's finery's and avert our eyes to those that are thankful for just a few grains of rice. You serve society conscience well with this piece. May it jar us back to the reality of what others are suffering through.

[.]

hardhitting but so truthful..we take for granted our food and throw away lifestyle..

while people are starving...thought provoking read and we all need a reminder.

[Sel Whiteley]

This is a very powerful and emotive poem that really makes the reader think. I've done a lot of work fundraising for NGOs and I can see this so vividly. You capture so well that desperation to live each day and the resilence to continue an existence like that. Love it!

[Wicahpi]

Whats even sadder is when they walk all those miles and find the 'rice' is all gone.
I loved your poem for I need to be more appreciative of the comforts that I, too, have. Half the time I forget to even give thanks, not good :(
Thank for the gentle reminder :)

God Bless

[Alz Alz]

WOW. simply amazing... it's really touching. hunger is everywhere...

[TamiViolet]

This is so compelling that it is difficult to find words.... It is highly inspirational and introspectional, Craig, forcing us to look in the mirror and ask the question... You know the one...

We will all disappear into dust someday, but it's unfortunate that some are forcred to live a life they never bargained for....yet they do what must be done because that's all they can do.... I wonder if they hope? Or has it been lost amid the rubble?

Your modesty is a prime attraction of your work, my friend. Your compassion and empathy....beautiful.

[Gary McDonald]

Aware as I am of my inadequacies as a reviewer I will keep this short. It was simply wonderful a triumph of eye opening proportions!!

[An Ordinary Woman]

I see you disappear

in the dust of day…That is a very nice line. I love that. Your poem is very caring of the world ... and it reminds me of Haiti now ... So sad.

[SoulofManyFaces]

I love how this ends, and the whole inspiration for this
poem. I think I am grateful for what little I have because there
are so many out there suffering worse than I. The sadness here
is evident, yet there is courage to survive.

[Brianna Brie]

I like the comparison to your own life. It is these sort of things that should keep us thankful for what we do have. Your beginning stanzas make it clear that In the face of adversity strength is developed. The strength to carry on in the face of impossible odds. Hunger must be a powerful motivator. Nice write!