far away
a child starves
while the fat ones
bemoan their perceived poverty
filling their faces with too much food
covering their vain tattoos with the latest fashion
before going home in their fuel-guzzling metal monsters
to rooms so stuffed with luxury goods
that their essential electronic toys
have to be produced in
miniature
tinier than
the starving child’s
foot
<> <> <>
Written for The Daily Post #Miniature
©Jane Paterson Basil
A powerful poem, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good. I wish there was more equality in the world.
And thanks, Calen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jane. I wish there was equality in the world also. “Perceived poverty” of not having enough/wanting more and true poverty of having little or nothing is something that is ignored by many. Such a sad state of affairs in the world and local communities. Loved your powerful statement. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Olga. It’s something I always think about when someone complains about being hard-up when they’ve just bought a brand new luxury item. I wish more people would check out the charity shops before making a purchase. In the UK every town and city is packed with charity shops, and they’re full of quality donated items.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The haves are trying to fill a void that no material possessions ever will fill. The have nots are content with little – they just need their fair share of essentials too . One day …..
LikeLiked by 2 people
One day the rich will look at their bulging coffers and know that possessions are worth nothing until the last hungry mouth is fed, until every human being on the planet has clean water to drink and to bathe in, clothes to protect them from the cold and from the anger of the sun, shelter to keep them safe, medicine to heal their sickness, useful employment to give them a sense of pride and independence.
ow does that sound?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds just perfect to me !
LikeLike
Sad but true. Good writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
They will also have cosmetic surgery to counteract the physical results of their greed – one tummy-tuck could educate and African child for 16 years. They will also die and have to leave all those worldly goods behind. What a shame!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cosmetic surgery! I forgot to mention that essential tool for self-esteem. I knew something was missing!
LikeLike
Powerful words identifying the prominent troubles of today’s world. Very well written indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Polomi – I’m glad it puts the point across.
LikeLiked by 1 person