Ignorance and Happiness

The blood that they spilt there

Caked in the dirt,

Turned to dust,

And was ignored by the world.

Forgotten.

It blew away on the wind,

Joined the air we breathe,

Became a part of the world,

And of its history.

Yet you stand still.

Undisturbed.

Choosing not to know,

So you won't have to care.

"There is too much unhappiness in the world,"

You say.

Yet you don't know the half of it-

Not even one tenth.

"Ignorance is bliss."

Easy to say when you never bore witness

To the gruesome rape and murder

Of your own mother.

Never heard your father cry

Begging for the lives of his children.

Never saw piles of bloody bodies

Lying in the streets of your childhood.

You choose to remain "happy."

You choose to ignore

The gunmen,

The gas chambers,

The men with machetes,

The murderers.

And they thank you for it.

They are grateful for your ignorance.

Reviews

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

True there is too much unhappiness in the world..and yet ..I wish more would chose it..it would not be ignorant ..as it is what we wish for all who suffer.. those who cause pain and suffering are thankful that they blend in so well.. that they can make us all victims..your poem is very deep ..but I am still thinking that the idea is to help those who suffer and not suffer along with them..
I don't believe there are people who have not witnessed the horrors of this world ..only people who hide it better than others..your poem made me think of a few people , I have met..who where in great pain..
I gave them ..what they needed..happiness..and bliss..and I do not think myself ignorant for it..as I have been given it when I needed it..anyhow .. the poem is well done and although not my same thoughts ..
Valid thoughts shared.

[Angel Bird]

Strong and powerfully reverberating words. These lines are so very thought provoking and touching!
Terrific work!