What Have We Become?
written by: Beth Warren
When did this change occur?
That love and hate seem now to blur.
Scant respect for fathers or mothers,
A preoccupation with self, not others.
Markets where we serve ourselves,
Dazzled by the aisles of shelves.
No one to help, and we do not speak.
Survival of the strong, not weak.
Playground bullies who torment and scare
As parents and teachers, we despair.
Girls and women are seen as prey,
Families fracture day by day.
Addictions ruining lives and dreams;
The lost potential of too many teens.
Decisions that are misbegotten.
Denial of a faith long forgotten.
Impassive masks choose not to see
the lonely, the broken, the elderly;
poverty, diminished humanity,
lewdness, and profanity.
High fences and hedges, behind we hide,
Protection from those outside.
Safe in our cocoon of isolation,
Without warmth or conversation.
In days gone by we smiled at strangers,
Now all too aware of impending dangers.
How did we get to this?
Ever tumbling into a black abyss.
Loneliness pervades our souls.
Getting through are daily goals.
Our hearts ever yearn to connect.
Cherished friendships to collect.
The present is so different from the past.
From young to old, life goes too fast.
Hope for the future lies in our hands,
We say enough and make a stand.
Warning signs ought to be heeded.
Acts of kindness are much needed.
Empathy and love are places to start;
for change begins in the heart.
- What Have We Become? - February 25, 2025
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