I see hands reaching out, Fingers clutching bowls, Bones showing through fragile flesh. Bodies ravaged by the pains of hunger. I see corruption and despair, The wealthy denying a life to those in need. The rich growing richer, The poor ever more downtrodden and destitute. I see escalation in crime, Robbery, assault and battery. Offenders tried, convicted and imprisoned, With no realistic solution at hand. I se the unemployed and homeless, Linked with prostitution, pornography and drugs. The exploiters reaping benefit and pleasure, From society’s less fortunate. I see victims of abuse and cruelty, Innocence raped and shamed beyond repair. Overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and self blame, Permanently scarred, love replaced by hate. I see pollution, disease and destruction, Greed driven people who care not For the welfare of their world. The shortsighted becoming blind. I see governments, Oppressive in their control of populations. Repress further, the individuality and free will, Humanity was born with. I see beliefs and religions, condemn and despise, Turn love to hate, peace to war. Should they exist, Would our world’s Gods approve our damnation of others? Yet, in this world of decay, I see the seeds of a possible future sown. Lives of joy and contentment, Prevailing over persecution and chaos. I see children born of hope, love and compassion, Desolation and despair giving way, To freedom, growth and fulfilment, A new beginning.