Following the group through the narrow cobble stoned roads of the Medina
I would hear voices calling in Arabic, I was blind to their conversations.
I saw a child in the arms of a frail, ragged woman against a brick wall.
"Alms, Alms for the hungry" she called out daily.
Yet here would I stand covered in a nice Hijab and new clothing.
My group moved onward and I had no choice but to keep following,
yet everywhere I turned I saw someone's fragile hand reaching out.
Crying for food, money, clothing:
crying for their families and children;
and for their own well-being.
Still I was forced to keep walking onward with my group.
Although I never got the chance to give my hand
to someone in desperation.
I will never forget the looks upon the faces of the desolate.
Their faces ingrained in my memory.
I saw it all, and will never forget.
Author notes
May 2006 I had traveled to Morocco, Africa with my mother's study abroad trip. We saw many beggars and starving people. The medina was always worse because that was where many of the people lived. Although I wanted to give I only had a couple chances, and there are so many starving people it's impossible for just me to make a difference in all of their lives.
A contest entry
- Crying africa by Abner.
300 points, ended September 3, 2007, 8 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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'but I was forced to keep walking onward with the group' this reflects how people keep on with their lives although aware of what is happening somehow carrying on thinking one will not make a difference. It really takes just one person to start a fire.
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Beautiful.
I can imagine that that'd be hard.
peace to all ~flight
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wow..i like it.
there is to much in this poem..
its great.
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Thank you for the comment, but I have a question. What do you mean there is too much...is that a bad thing or good...what part is too much...don't like the repetivness? I'm a little confused and would love the critisim.
Thanks,
DancingQueen -
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i mean there is to many good points..that i liked like "I will never forget the looks on the faces of the frightened
I always saw whether I turned to look or not
I saw it all, and will never forget" your personal feelings thats a deep expression n great impact in poetry.
so thanks
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