The Injustice of Poverty

We see the inequality. The unfairness; The world has left you behind, staggering across the desert. Hungry and alone; chasing after an idea that the slow march of time will one day stop for you to catch up.

We hear you cry out, begging to be heard. Pleading to an unseen creator. “Help me”, you shout. Your neck craned upward toward the heavens. Your voice drown out by the bitter winds of selfishness and greed.

We feel your heartache at the injustice of poverty. The painful recognition that you have done nothing to deserve the life that you live, that simply because you came into existence you will be trapped until you die.

We act as though you don’t exist, placated by the thought that your time will come in the afterlife, when the unseen creator will bestow upon you the glory that you deserve.

We refuse to admit that we are wrong.

Fading Whispers

Foros, Ukraine-  The sun sets on the Black Sea.  Tan bodies sprawled over beach towels quickly gather their things and trek back to their cars as the sea breeze pushes inland.  The sun moves further beyond the horizon and the night air cools off.  The beach is empty except for a few people combing the rocks for souvenirs. A pair of lovers walking hand in hand, telling secrets only meant for each other, walk past me, their whispers fading as the distance grows.  They make their way out on an old unfinished retaining wall.  An older couple sits under them, completely oblivious to the wonder and sentiments shared above them.