Is there something wrong with the world?
Or is it just me?
No one wants to take responsibility.
People make a commitment, and they break it.
Yesterday’s promise? Man, you faked it.
Anger grows and separates.
Violence just escalates.
Lives ending without consent…a shame
Ignoring the power of a family’s love to blame
The Golden Rule is just so old.
And no one follows it so I am told.
Hatred in this world just has to stop.
It matters what’s inside…what’s outside does not.
People searching for answers in alcohol and drugs,
While all they need is a little love.
Think before you act, and soon you will find,
That is the way to improve mankind.
Author notes
I wrotre this poem because racism really has to stop. Please copmment back... Poet14. 
Written December 16th, 2005
A contest entry
- Ages 14 and Under Only: SOUND YOUR ECHO; SPEAK YOUR OPTIMISM! by Sky Prince Ireland.
300 points, ended December 6, 2006, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
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very good
A lot of truth in this. Strongly spoken.
Thanks for entering; good luck.
Brian -
lol... thnxx
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perfect
this is good work that gives a good point. i feel that you went into your past and grabbed some kin of experience. i somehow feel that i know a part of you that i would love to be near. YOU RULE -
Very nice
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This was really awesome. Obviously I'm not the only one who thinks so. I'm gonna bookmark it, it's so good. It's all painfully true and pointed out in a straightforward and honest way. nice work.
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wow.. excellent work on this piece!! judging by the applause im not the only one who thinks so! You communicated the feeling accross so well and u bought up some great issues... i really liked this line
"No one wants to take responsibility"
its simple yet so true.. ur right things are going wrong in this world.. take care and keep up the fantastic work..
innocent eyez... -
Wow that is so true...Great Job at being able to convey all of that! That is so amazing! I hope to read more work by you soon!
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great write and I agree, there is something wrong with the world. nice job
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Wow... This is difidently an impressive poem. It's amazing how you can write this so well. Great job!!!!!! You strongly expressed yourself in a way that was enjoyable to read!!! Nice job!!!
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great concept
I really liked this! It's a great concept, that everybody should be able to relate to, if not they really need to open their eyes, because you are right, racism is awful, and it needs to stop!
My favorite lines are:
The Golden Rule is just so old.
And no one follows it so I am told.
Hatred in this world just has to stop.
It matters what’s inside…what’s outside does not.
Loved the whole thing though, great concept and rhyming! keep it up!
☼shadowed eyes☼
Edited on Jul 29, 2:26 p.m. because ''. -
Quite nice...I generally don't love rhyming poems (even though I have written a few myself). However, this piece has a powerful message. I do think the rhyme scheme may have detracted a bit from the somber tone of the poem, but that is very likely just my biased opinion. I have a feeling that you will continue to improve as you write more and more. I see some definite potential for greatness. Keep on writing...This is a very nice poem and I think you can only get better.
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i liked this a very up-beat rhytm for the topic, not chearful though it almost makes it seam like you are shouting it out which is good as it adds a 'good' feeling to it i think actualy its better described as powerful ugh i dont know.
a nice write -
Considered
A considered rant with a great deal of content. Thanks for the thoughts and words. I have quite a few poems on this site that you might appreciate. I'm am quite all over the place but I just chalk it up to confusion. -
Excellent
This is a very powerful poem and the word does need to get out.
Hopefully wiyh spreading the word things could change for the better. I just loved this , an excellent write.
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I totally agree. People DO need to think before they act. But also, they need to think in general. Many people don't even think about what they do or say. They let other people do the thinking for them. This is how many people vote during political elections. No research, no thinking. They just listen to what their party says about the other candidate and vote for their party.
Aside from thinking, another thing that would improve the world would be to actually care for others. Many people, do their drugs, and drink their liquor, and do stupid things that could kill people, and when this is mentioned to them, they reply "So?" or "I don't care." or "Thats not gonna happen."
Kinda sad how things work. Things aren't really going to change unless everybody comes together and makes a concerted effort to change the world. So here I say, AP unite! and make the world a better place!
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great
This is a great poem and I really like it! It is a bit sad to think about what happens in the world! The ending is soo true! Great poem! Really meaningful!!!
Haylow x
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great
This is a great poem and I really like it! It is a bit sad to think about what happens in the world! The ending is soo true! Great poem! Really meaningful!!!
Haylow x
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great
This is a great poem and I really like it! It is a bit sad to think about what happens in the world! The ending is soo true! Great poem! Really meaninful!!!
Haylow x
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too true. Awesome poem. RASICM IS STUPID and you did a great job saying that. As I said, awesome poem.
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Wow u did a great job on this poem... Way to lay it all on the line... I can't believe ur only 12....
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hi , i think this poem is brilliant, your words are set out nicely , love the way it expresses just how you feel, very well done , great piece of work hun keep writing x
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Brilliant poem. Well written with a powerful message. I love it and i agree, it did need to be said
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BRILL!
I agree, Rasicm is a lot of S*** and i HATE it. GREAT POEM, i loooooooove the layout so altogether this poem is ace, more people should support to stop rasicm!!! Please return the favour sometime as i really gcould do with the points, as i am planning on running a contest.!
Spikey x -
Smooth
i totally feel you on this poem. i applaud your boldness, great write. beatiful and inspiring. wonderful job here.
peace -
woo hoo! such outspoken thoughts deserves to be applauded; i really enjoyed the theme, you should turn this into rap. (just an opinion)
good job.
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Yes. This is great. It's like you just poured out your heart. So well felt. Great Philosophy. The world just needs to stop all the, um, put simply, bad stuff.
Anyway great job. Beautiful poem.
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this is great, you really used the topic well and created such a simple, meaningfull, beautilf and sad. well done
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Is there something wrong with the world?
Or is it just me?
No one wants to take responsibility.
People make a commitment, and they break it.
Yesterday’s promise? Man, you faked it.
i think you said it all in those first few lines. i am giving you applaus because it is good--not for you to return it. this is really good. thank you for sharing it. viyanna r langager. happy valentine's day.
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oh god yes! its about time some political action is going on around here! wooot!
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*****
"People searching for answers in alcohol and drugs,
While all they need is a little love."
Loved it. You hear people complain constantly about issues like this, yet they never make any attempt to try and change it.
Go you!
Great write, keep it up,
Love Laura xoxoxox -
WOW
the message is GREAT but I personally think that the poem could be worked on,
> Try fliping around words, it brings attention to lines and makes readers think.
>and maybe try not to be so judgemental about the drugs and alchol,
> I just read your profile and realised you are 12, this poem is amazing for your age, dont give it up, read lots of poetry and develop your style.
My favourite poems where limerics and the poems found in Alice and wonderland (Lewis Carroll) my fave by lewis carrol was Jabberwocky look it up.
no pressure but i expect great things from you in the future!!!!!
Illiterate Iguana
gd luck in the contest
Edited on Feb 13, 9:58 because ''. -
WOW!!! this has a very powerful message that you delivered with well chosen words. You described the point of this poem well and you gave lots of examples of how this world is going downhill, i completely agree with what you said in this write. Great write!
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omg so goood.
keep writin
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I really like this! i totally agree, the world has to change, we cant go on like this.
a really good write, well done! -
This is so good!!!!The world does need to change and we should be the ones to change it.Good Job!!
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This is a well written piece. Good Job!
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wow!! this poem is genious. Good luck on the contest, i'm sure you will win it!! <3
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brilliantly spoken and wonderful social commentary. awesome job overall!
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i really like it and no what you meand great job
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this is really good! yes, there is something wrong with the world, not you. great emotion and topic. its wonderfully written also.
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Oops.. I already read this and left a comment. While I'm here though, I'd like to say it's just as wonderful the second time.
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alright that was cool... Strong message.... and a awesome poem
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Oh very good! I am currently writing a research paper on the subject of equality and freedom of religion, and you know, this is a very good example of what all religions deserve and need to have, as well as different nationalities, the gender types, and even age.
Thank you for a most wonderful read. -
its true racism is a really serious problem and though political correctness sometimes seems to paint over some of it it can't actually change peoples minds if they are prejudiced. but hopefully one day it can be got rid of.great write, keep it up Dara
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Very well spoken and written hon.. I have felt this way for a long time and that is also why I wrote "Honor's Dying Gasp" as a reflection of our society today. Fantastic job and keep you heart and senses open to things like this.. the more we recognize, the better chances there are of getting changes made on a subtle but stronger level. I am very impressed. Keep writing
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thnx ssoo much for the comment... i really appreciate it!!... poet14
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simply three letters W-O-W
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Very nice sentiments carried in this poem...hate on any level needs to be stopped. Very nicely done, and I wish you luck in the contest.
~Meli~ -
dude..
WOW!!! THAT WAS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and soo sooo true! It's amazingly acurate, I think. -
I like it a lot too! It's very meaningfuland deep. it's true- racism is still present everywhere I look. This poem is bold and honest, I think it's wonderful and thought provoking. Good work, keep it up!!
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this is a really good poem...it sends such a powerful message, especially with the lines
"People make a commitment, and they break it.
Yesterday’s promise? Man, you faked it."
because its so true. i love the way you kinda summed up the poem at the end. -
What a very nice poem...very thoughtful and thought provoking. A wonderful and very true message, thank you for sharing.
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Awesome!!!
This is an awesome poem! I loved the message this was sending! If you would like a longer, more critcal comment, just let me know and I'll leav one tomorrow when I'm more awake. Lol -
Well written and very true, I like the part where you said it matters whats inside whats outside does not, a line that sticks out incredibly to me. Keep up the good work.
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Bah, without conflict no one would ever have personal growth. It is sad,and you put it well, but what's the alternative... I feel a poem coming on.
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Tell it .... people need a taste of real talk....damn,I love your poem...you are right on the money with this poem...I totally agree with everything you are feelin' it on about our world...keep up the good writtings.....
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Great
Ahh, really an inspiring poem! Love is indeed the answer. It makes the world a much better place if we'd all be more loving and open towards each other. Yes, well done! -
I love the sentiments being shared here. Personally, I don't believe racism is our main problem, but only a symptom. That aside, you touch on some powerful issues here, which is what I'd hoped to see in this contest. And yes, love is the answer. There is enough love, but we simply have to open up to it, rather than fear. What I love most about this poem, and I hope you excuse me for it, is your age. For such a young person, to have such insights and intuitions, helps me maintain faith in our future. Thank you much for entering this gem!
peace
doug
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A good poem, some interesting questions were asked. Fairly straighforward. I ended having Black Eyed Peas' song 'Where is the love' start running through my head by the time I was finished reading it.
One small little bone to pick. I felt that this part here:
"The Golden Rule is just so old.
And no one follows it so I am told."
...Really put a wrench in the flow of the poem. It seemed to me like there were a few too many syllables on the second line, and it was like the whole poem tripped for a second before starting to walk again at the same pace. Perhaps cutting out two syllables by trying "And no one follows it I'm told" instead would help?
Anyway, that's what I saw. Thanks for the poem! -
this is how i view the world too, this is really great piece, i really think the world should straighten up, get real with themselves, hey post this in the newspaper and get the message across to the world.
this is a great peice and im honored to read it. -
awesome
Truely ans awesome piece, I really enjoyed this poem, I liked this idea you have set. I have broken one promise in my life, but that situation is now over, anyways better stop before I tell my life story, well done and good job. -
Oh what a comment!! I really appreciate it!! Thankx sssooo much... i truly appreciate it!!! poet14
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The BEST os the best!
Well, here I am, yet once again, Poet14...and I've now been a member on AP for about a month now and I have to say that this is BY FAR THE BEST poem on the site...I really love it, ur other work is quite sensational but this is top quality stuff, Truly remarkable and very inspirational...I can't help but applaud it once again
Edited on Jan 27, 1:44 because ''. -
THIS PIECE IS AWESOME and has a lot of meaning behind it! I love how you are trying to stop racism. Also, you are trying to help people find the solutions to their problems through love and kindness instead of drugs and alcohol. Good job! It is sad to see the world decaying into a mass of chaos and being one out of 7 billion voices that cannot be heard. I am glad that we agree and wish the best of luck toward your future writing!
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Great
Wow, all of this is very very true. Most people are just dishonest and can't wait to find a way to screw you over, and it only gets worse from here. There are us few that see that, if only a few, but overall I really like what you did with the concept of what's going wrong with the world in general today. I hope you keep on writing because your views are ideal and perhaps you can make people see things your way. -
this is really sweet...everyone needs to be loved. no matter how you act or dress its only an act for attention because no one seems to love you...
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Yeaa... thnkx for the comment... i really appreciate it!!! poet14
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You definately deserve all those applauds, so I'm adding another 1!!! Bring back the GOLDEN RULE! best wishes always
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I so agree with everything you say in this poem. Very wise. - joanne
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Hmmm I thought I already commented on this, but I guess not. This is an awesome poem, and even though you were talking about racism, I found it easy to also relate it to other problems in this world. The flow was awesome and it was a truly inspiring read. keep up the awesome work, you deserve all the applauses received on this one!
tasha -
Relative
Wow! This is a really good poem! I want to add that I can relate to every single word I read in your poem. That's what a true poet looks and strives for, is to write a poem that everyone (or most) can relate to. But, at the same time have a poem specific enough to relate to just one person in a special, new way. I will definitely applaud this poem, without one thought of regret. Good job, I hope to read more of your poems very soon. I do agree that there is a little bit of flow problem, but nothing is ever perfect, especially to an author. -
This was a really good write. I could tell that you put a lot of thought and feeling into it. It has a great message. Wouldn't it be great if we could all put it into action. Keep up the good work!
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I agree completely with the ideas in this poem.. but part of me just wants to start screaming. "If a word could change the world.. don't you think it would have happened by now!" Sorry.. just a little oppression here. It's a great write.. and I'm just trying to say.. I wish it were as simple as one person. I really, really do.
Hell.. look at that. You've invoked emotion and thought! Yay!
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I truly love your poem and your ideas on improving mankind.
I'm searching for poems to trow into sea, Sea mail poetry.
To give a message to the world. I think this one is also a very good one to use, So if there's going to be some sort of contest I'll let you know and you can deside if you're up for it.
Very well done!! - Xx -
Wow, sorry i cant write a really long comment, but this is just an all around GREAT poem. Totally true and not only when it comes to racism, overall thats just how people are now-a-days. Anyways, outstanding poem.
~Lynn
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Nice poem.. too bad enough other people don't see that.. if they did maybe we COULD improve mankind, right? Anyway.. good job..
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Well actually I named myself poet14 because i absolutely love basketball... and my number is 14... lol... so... there you go... lol... poet14
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true that!!-PEACE
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wow u seem to be getting alot of applauses. well well done...and well deserved too...this was brilliant!!
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Usually rhyming ruins a poem, but you carried it through and used it perfectly and in harmony with what you are trying to convey.
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well written but I dont think it relates to racism whatsoever it relates mainly just to society in general and was well written aside from punctuation. your eriods made the wait too long and I felt that the piece should have ben read a little quicker so maybe just commas and a couple pauses in the middle of lines would be nice too. EX: The Golden Rule is just so old.
And no one follows it so I am told.
Hatred in this world just has to stop.
THIS can be:
The Golden Rule is just so old
and no one follows it, so I am told;
Hatred in this world just Has to STOP.
Accentuating certain words with capitalizations and/or commas to seperate for a pause make the words blend and word differently than read with just periods. Ya know what I mean? Just suggestions - wonderful piece full of meaning. good luck in your contest! -
Hey ... you have a very unique name. Why are you called Poet14?
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This was an incredible poem...I mean this was majorly awesome!!!
Thank you for sharing this and making us all think for a minute. Fabulous
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Words of truth
Awesome write with, sadly, very true words.
"It matters what’s inside…what’s outside does not.
People searching for answers in alcohol and drugs,
While all they need is a little love.
Think before you act, and soon you will find,
That is the way to improve mankind."
Those lines right there are what really spoke to me. I think this world really needs to start recognizing that it's what's inside of people's hearts/souls that really matters, not what they do/apear like on the outside. I have friends and know other people that are into drugs and such whom are generally very dark and depressed people the majority of the time, and many people see them as "failures" or something to that extent, but because I am close to them and have seen how they truely are, I know them to be some of the most kind-hearted people/caring people out there who would never do anything to hurt others.
You writing speaks true. Keep at it. -
Words of truth
Awesome write with, sadly, very true words.
"It matters what’s inside…what’s outside does not.
People searching for answers in alcohol and drugs,
While all they need is a little love.
Think before you act, and soon you will find,
That is the way to improve mankind."
Those lines right there are what really spoke to me. I think this world really needs to start recognizing that it's what's inside of people's hearts/souls that really matters, not what they do/apear like on the outside. I have friends and know other people that are into drugs and such whom are generally very dark and depressed people the majority of the time, and many people see them as "failures" or something to that extent, but because I am close to them and have seen how they truely are, I know them to be some of the most kind-hearted people/caring people out there who would never do anything to hurt others.
You writing speaks true. Keep at it. -
this poem sounds great when read aloud...even moreso than on the printed page. it actually speaks of so many issues that even go beyond Dr. King, but the world as you have so titled, so don't limit yourself in that context of MLK only. really good writing which speaks almost as a rant, but not zany or twisted, but very valid points.
good writing and I enjoyed the read very much!
Jo -
Speechless
You cut right to the point...i loved how it flowed and basicly for told what society is really worth and whatnot. Extravagant write. -
Wonderful! I believe this is a perfect way to honor him, and your poem in amazing. Wonderful wonderful job!
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Very well said!
I couldn't agree more!
Best of luck in the contest with this wonderful write.
~Sherry~
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very inspirational, and beautifully written, great piece of work on the problems with the world today! keep penning, with warmest regards, lollylou and CrazyWomanimal! xx
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very well writen i applaud you (i dnt have enough points 2 applaud properly)
Edited on Jan 16, 2:14 p.m. because ''. -
I know I've read this before but for some reason I don't see that I left a comment on it. You have here a very powerful piece stating simply some widespread issues that definitely need to be focused upon. Hopefully this piece will act as a wake-up call to those who are able to help others. Very nicely done. Keep writing!
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this is awesome. so true it almost hurts. this world is so closed minded they can't accept anything that's different. it's wrong. especially when you have people who are twelve and thirteen years old throwing their lives away to drugs already. or when you have girls at only 15 already pregnat. this is an awesome poem on a topic everyone needs to read about. great job.
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breathtaking
Bravo. I couldn't have said it better myself. How painfully true your words are. And I very much agree with the topic. It's well written and the flow is flawless. It's just one of those poems that speak to you. .x.rin -
Wow, this has a great impact on the reader. It's sad how true it is, but you put it into words so beautifully.... I love the rhyme! Good luck in the contest. I haven't seen the others, but I'd be willing to bet you've got a good chance at winning.
<3Mary -
Amen to that! I love everything about this poem!
I live near DC and as I was reading this I could hear it being read in the local hole-in-the-wall coffe shop and receiving a round of applause.
I will admit, normally I hate poetry that rhymes but you did such a good job that it really works with the poem. Best of luck with the contest! -
Fantastic
This was a very truthful and a very well written poem. I very much agree with your poem and I thank and congratulate you on writing it. The poem had a fluent flow throughout and the rhymes worked well too. Fantastic, nothing more to say than to applaud your efforts. Keep writing your inspirational poetry. -
wow this was wonderful...i agree with you on your strong beliefs against racism...its cruel and unneccessary!! i support u all the way...well done!!
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It's nice to see someone write about something they strongly believe in. You've done a good job here, keep it up!
Peace & love to you,
Roz.
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