Society’s Pain

“Lost Child” by mjr

pain is
pandemic
among young
defectively
loved mere
annoyances
coolly dismissed
ignored brushed
aside so much
chaff in the
smug adult
self-possessed
winds of failed
models each
child left to
navigate
fate’s harsh
vicissitudes
only to land
in some
mordant
dark place
where pain
grows into
anger matures
into hatred
inflicting
a rippling
broader
ranged pain
on us all

love the child
tend his needs
spare her pain
save the world
or else
stand as
accountable
owning the
consequence
but if you
can’t or you
won’t concede
guilt then at
least have the
courage to weep
for the loss
of a child
gone astray
for the wound
it creates in
the skin of
humanity