Much More than Inconvenient Truths

by Larry Chamberlin   Jun 28, 2017



It bothers me when a curious child
can’t get a book without risking danger;
or kids have no playground free of bombs
where they can just be kids.

It bothers me that I played freely
on the streets unafraid of strangers
yet today must know where my kids
dare to roam and tempt molestation.

It bothers me that bigotry that formerly
was used to keep whole peoples
in check beneath - “in their place”
now goes unpunished in hate crimes.

It bothers me that politicians obstruct
and point fingers at another party while
vans of sex slaved women and children
rendezvous with leaders and businessmen.

It bothers me that one person lamenting
the state of affairs of her subjugation
turns around and refuses to interrelate
with another oppressed of different hue.

It bothers me that my children
inherit a world my coevals thought
all of which human problems
we would have solved by now.

But maybe I’m just
not old fashioned.

6


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Latest Comments

  • 7 years ago

    by Ren

    Just...WOW! This is such a well written and profound piece. I agree. It bothers me, too.

  • 7 years ago

    by Brenda

    Larry, you have touched on so many things that are wrong in this world. I too am bothered and sad over the state of affairs we live in these days. It's scary to think our children and grandchildren are inheriting all of this mess. Well done-

  • 7 years ago

    by CJ Maleney

    Larry if you're old fashioned then I am too and I think anyone with kids has similar fears.

    Like you I would have hoped things would have improved in this world, they have not and in many ways I think it's gotten worse. I worry for the world our children are inheriting.

    So much has changed in my 45 years of existence. I never touched a computer until I was 13 years old and even then it didn't do much. You had to insert a cassette just to play a game. Now look at up all conversing over thousands of miles with the stroke of a finger.

    Even that bothers me. I worry that my kids don't go out enough and spend too much time with their faces glued to a screen. I worry more over who is at the other end.

    All that you have penned are sentiments and opinions shared by many.

    Well said you.

  • 7 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    Larry,

    It bothers me that I cannot nominate this as I am out. As for the content - it bothers me too.

    Excellent write,

    Ben

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