Yesterday's Children

 

As the young man buckles the last strap, and slips on an oversized coat,

he praises Allah for being chosen the one to kill these infidel folks.

 

As the masked man enters the bank, waves his shotgun around and shouts,

he knows that now he must “do or die” for that’s what robbery is about.

 

As the desperate woman prepares the needle and shoots the drugs up her veins,

she knows release will come soon for this addict’s unending pain.

 

As a tormented drunk climbs the bridge rail and watches the water below,

he knows the world is against him and there’s nowhere else he can go.

 

Can these be yesterday’s children… once cuddled and loved and adored?

Can these be yesterday’s children… who had the whole world to explore…

 

Who wanted to be doctors and lawyers and athletes, or firemen, or Hollywood actors?

What caused them to change as the years rolled by?  What were those unknown factors?

 

Once innocent babes in their mother’s arms, these unfortunate souls now rage.

Yesterday’s children bereft of hope, caught in the snares of an uncaring age.

Reviews

[Phill Oz O'fee]

An extremely astute, observational and poetically poignant message! The responsibility for our children's development lay specifically at our feet; we have no excuses! When I witness the injustices, as highlighted in your composition, I am reminded of this passage:

John 10:12 (The Message)

11-13"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.

Without the appropriate 'Teacher' and protector, how easily our children are left to the wolves.

Thank you for your share!

God's Blessing
Phillozofee