Entrapped in an existence
Of torrential torment & neglect
Infants lashed to wrought iron
Railings, beneath the guise of
Treatment—
To prevent waves of self-mutilation
Children crumpled in urine tears
Unheeded, stung by inhumanity
Reflections of withered cadavers
Unfathomable depths of cruelty
Etched upon purity, babies forsaken
Screams echo; senses deadened—
Human rights, laid to rest in pools
Of liquid despair, to resound in vain
Feeble bodies; waning; tortured;
Parched gullets, swept away in agony,
To drown in the stench of bed sores;
Emaciated; degraded; institutionalized
Beneath the façade of treatment
Author notes
I was inspired by a poem called Collateral Damage, written by Pamela Lamppa. In response to her request, I have written a poem to join with many other poets here at AP to raise awareness for the inhumane conditions that 16,000+ Serbian children are enduring in institutions. Together, maybe if we speak loud enough, we can make a difference. I invite you to read Collateral Damage. Here is a link to Pamela's poem. Her heartfelt words helped to open my own eyes on such a sensitive issue.
http://allpoetry.com/poem/3621838
To further raise awareness, I want to share these disturbing video links with you that give just a glimpse of the inhumane conditions that these institutionalized children endure.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21889318
A contest entry
- Just Give Me Something To Read by HerbalGoat.
300 points, ended January 18, 2008, 89 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give me Everything you've Got by CrystalJet.
600 points, ended March 14, 2008, 318 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Work in progress........
Comments
1 - 23 of 23
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this background is very hard to read and that is the only suggestion i have. the poem is really good. thank you for entering and good luck in the contest.
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An extremely raw and realistic look at a horrible and heart-wrenching situation, and quite the powerful piece of writing indeed. Best of luck in the contest.
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Thank you, David.
I always appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Don
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It is hard to read such haunting words when they are reality, such a heart wrenching poem of facts,
And I thank you for taking the time to give this cause a voice, and thanks for putting out the links to better aware those who read,
Many Blessings to you and yours.
Frozentearz -
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Thank you so much, Frozentearz.
I'm so glad this touched you. I can't even imagine the depth of hardship that these children endure daily, growing from infancy to adulthood, malnourished, ignored, and confined to cribs. I was just glad that I could write something to help raise awareness.
rose* Don
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I liked this poem
-BON-BON -
its terrible the incarcement of infants in orphanages,,thank you for waking us up peter
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Thank you very much, Peter.
This was definitely a heart-wrenching poem to write. It tears at me that these children are living and dying this way. Don
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I had not seen this story until you sent me the link...
It just makes your words here so much more powerful...I couldn't imagine what it was that would put you here to write these words..now Im horrified after watching the video to know that this is real...
Such a powerful write..I pray that something is done to save these souls...no one should ever have to endure such a thing...ever
Peace and many blessings
~A~
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Thank you so much.
Pamela Lampaa sent me a link to her poem, Collateral Damage, yesterday. She asked me if there was anyway I could write something to be published in an analogy to help raise awareness for this worthy cause. So far, about a dozen AP poets have contributed to this. I think Laura Lamarca started the ball rolling. I've read some very moving poems on this topic. Off hand, I can recall reading one by Starz of Heaven, and another by Delightfulness. You have so much compassion for children, Asdzaa. Maybe, you could add something heartfelt and genuine to this worthy cause. Here is a link to Pamela's poem. Don
http://allpoetry.com/poem/3636050
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This is excellent. a perfect piece for the cause.
I am happy to see so many people takeing this up...
the is a sensational piece
Love it.
Delila
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Thank you so much, Delila.
I'm so glad that I could play a small part in helping to raise awareness for such a worthy cause. Knight70
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Heart wrenching,
and attention grabbing--
And for something that
couldn't need attention more..
Thank you for sharing
and for raising awareness!!
Great Write!
~Pastel
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Thank you so much, Pastel.
What kind comments to wake up to this morning! This topic really caught my attention. I'm so glad that I can play a small part in helping to raise awareness. Knight70
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'Beneath the facade of treatment', indeed! A very powerful and poignant poem that packs quite the gut-wrenching punch. I also read Pamela's superb poem, and both your pieces really hit home and passionately speak for those without a voice. Hopefully poems like this with serve to wake people up and light a fire under people's feet.
David
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Thank you so much, David.
I couldn't agree more, David. Don
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This is a good piece my friend very sad all that is going on htank you for sharing this and keeping this going one person can make a difference.
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Thank you, C.J.
I need to read yours next. I see that you also wrote one. Don
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I am weeping and so grateful. Don, this is so good. Thank you. Please post your comment and link also on my poem, Collateral Damage. This is amazing and I am so very pleased to have you and your talent join this most worthy cause. Please also remember to send an email to the hotmail address to allow publication of your piece. If you need it again, just let me know and I will send it along. Thank you so much. ~Pamela
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You're quite welcome, Pamela.
There's more I want to add to this. Once it's finished, I will get that e-mail on its way. I would be honored to allow it to be published in an anthology. Don
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THANK YOU. I can't wait.
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