Hand Holding Child, photo of Huberta Reil's terra cotta sculpture by Claudia Dewald/iStockphoto
Mind full of demons
I don’t want to hear those voices anymore
Can’t escape it
Either it’s a child kidnapped or a victim of the war
Where is the line drawn?
We are in dire need of change
But history repeats itself so racism, hate, murder, and corruption stay the same
Instead of looking at ourselves we play the blame game
Troubles of the world would make the sane go insane
Preparing for the sun yet in return we get the rain
So I’m left walking alone drenched in all my pain
can you better yourself or is it all in vain?
We have everything in this world we need but help
The president has over fifty rooms
Yet kids in the gutter don’t have food to eat
We have to give back to the community
So hopefully we can increase the unity
Gangs run this country
Not red or blue
But the Republicans, Democrats and the FBI
They tell us our children are running wild when they are the ones telling lies
The greed of man can darken the most hopeful bluest sky
So they turn to dealing and killing and now they wonder why
Change this change that that’s all I hear
But when it’s their turn to change no one’s near
At times I wonder why God allows so much chaos in this world
Picture yourself looking through the eyes of a poor and hopeless boy or girl
Will there ever be peace we ask ourselves everyday
So many people contemplating suicide
Wondering if they should go or they should stay
They say home is where your heart is but they have taken that away
Blinded by darkness I pray
I will finally get to see the light of day
Don’t let this cruel world get to you
Smile at all your unwanted troubles
Gather up your God, your family, and bring them to your huddle
And create a plan to get past the fourth down of struggles
I know it’s easier said than done
Search deep down inside your heart
Realize that in order to finish the race you have to know how to start.
Copyright © 2011 by Isaiah Johnson
The poet reminds us remember that poetry is an anecdote to cruelty and indifference.