There are No Children Here

to grow up fast, wanting to die young.

There are no children here.

There is no laughter, no

chance encounter on a swing set

with a youth who they've

just met, but will probably

never see again in their life.

A child would never care,

if that child were here, 

a child would think no more

deeply that there is another

on this earth who they've connected 

with than thinking deeply

of their favorite toy.

Here, a child's heart will tug

for someone

who they will never see again

they will ache for that person 

laughter

yearn for that person

touch.

Here, children die young,

yet grow up fast,

so there are no children here.

Author's Note

https://voca.ro/1cLfWEoUAb7o

like a high-five to the first person that can tell me where the title/theme came from, literally I'll wait.

Reviews

[Rosalie-O]

(*whispers*……..the novel by Alex Kotlowitz is my guess)

I don’t live in the states but I have lived the equivalent in the British Isles, so your poem and its inspiration is infinitely relatable. No matter where poverty arises, the children of poverty are the hardiest of souls.

Nicely captured.

[maya_online]

Gosh ! Yes ! that's the one!

I'm glad that this piece can be captured in multiple different ways, especially for people who have read Kotlowitz' novel.

[Franky]

I get it, I just haven't lived it. Thank God.

You express these feelings creatively. You speak as a child who isn't, or who couldn't be.

[maya_online]

Thank you Franky! love seeing your reviews, i'm glad I could represent my feelings accurately!