The Teaching Hospital

Walking down the corridor,

take a look inside death's cruelest door

A little girl of nine years, no more

Sunken skin, skull void of hair

Yet she smiles, it's true and clear

just happy for the visitor

Elsewhere up just one floor

those who lived life moan and groan

with attitudes that are poor

A child is protected by innocence,

there is laughter, singing here

where they all believe in a chance

But I hear the nurses that so care

talking of a circumstance,

of budget cuts to this program

The children aim for normalcy,

so they have school right here in Ward C

but things are tight, they'll have to see

They want to cut not half but eighty

percent of sick childrens' ability

         to be educated?!

 

The body dies, not the mind

it was the first program of it's kind

Teach the children, don't let them fall behind

for they damn well will stay alive

Yet a politician will let this fly,

if noone steps up and asks him why?

         I ASK YOU WHY?

This is not a monetary decision,

this is about morality and compassion

Things our leaders and this world

are severely lacking

There is a time in early evening

shortly before the day is ending

The corridor is alive with singing

hush-a-byes, starlit skies and lullabyes

The quality of their lives

rests in the hands of campaign

             LIES!

Sleep well my friends, for we've been led

 .............................................. to bed.

 

 

 

Author's Note

This is about The Hasbro Children's Hospital, and they were to have 80% of their budget for the sickest kids schooling cut, the one's who needed on site or even bedside tutoring. It's about the only normal thing these kids do. I am happy to say that when people found out and started asking questions, this program's budget was reinstated but disappointed it was ever included. Take the time to pay attention and speak up. Enough phone calls and letters can make a difference. Go visit them, they love Connect 4 @ Checkers

Reviews

[Angel Bird]

I find this a wonderful initiative. They should even provide work shops for the kids, for there's no better medicine than give room to those kid's souls to breath. Letting their creative energies freely flow while forgetting everything else, can make the body forget about its disease - sometimes even to the complete healing like a unimaginable wonder, but it really happens. Often its the mind that makes the body ill , not always, but sometimes, and if then someone allows those kids inner self to come out and develop, their body incites a self healing process. I immensely applaud your helping this cause - it's a great endeavor!

Thanks for your wonderful write. It is very thought provoking, and it will hopefully help at least a little bit...
Kudos!

[Michael W. Farrelly]

The display of anger and despair you put into this poem near the end, after you have walked us through the halls and showed us the issue, is tremendous. Very honored to have read it, brother.

[April Child]

The body dies, not the mind
it was the first program of it's kind
Teach the children, don't let them fall behind
for they damn well will stay alive
Yet a politician will let this fly,
if noone steps up and asks him why?

What stirring words. You state the case powerfully. I am glad to read your note that the budget was reinstated. Moving piece. Well said!

[Kara Emily Krantz]

This is an amazing statement my dear. I'm proud of you for even penning such a peace. for us with words, we must learn to step up and make our voice known, such as this. we could all learn from much you. this is still poetic and artistic, which being strong and political at the same time

"A child is protected by innocence,

there is laughter, singing here

where they all believe in a chance

But I hear the nurses that so care

talking of a circumstance"

that part was fantastic, and the entire last verse was just so powerful and well written
fantastic job my dear

[Sparrow]

I was ready to write a letter of complaint lol

[Erin Phoenix]

....


Wow, This poem is so awesome.

Bravo!

I was pulled in so strong by the words you chose.

I loved it... wait love it.


I wish my words can flow as simply as yours...


Keep it up and I might just admire you.

:)

[Tara]

Thank God for people who band together for a good cause. Very touching write.

[Travis Lawrence]

Wow, very politically charged. You got me motivated for this cause! How disgusting is it that this even happened in the first place? Well done!

Have a nice day!

[Tai Chi Italy Take Two]

Well done on your campagne to keep these children's education whilst in hospital. Your words were a most compelling read and we should speak out and up far more often to challenge the ruthless meanness of our states. The word is mighter than any cuts they could make. Thanks for sharing, perhaps others will stand up for their rights more often as a result? Have a great weekend, LLB

[Caddie O'brien]

Nice... nice you rock for writing for a cause...