avatarJohn Ross

Summary

The text is a reflection on the concept of hope, inspired by a writing prompt and an old spoken word poem, which addresses social issues and calls for change and compassion.

Abstract

The author of the text was inspired by a writing prompt from Christina Meier Ph.D and Melanie J. to explore the theme of hope through a personal spoken word poem titled "Hope," which they wrote a decade earlier. The poem vividly portrays a world facing significant challenges, such as hunger, poverty, neglect, and disease. It highlights the struggles of those living in dire circumstances, including children on the streets, victims of violence, and the elderly ignored by society. The poem criticizes the lack of action and empathy from those more fortunate, questioning the prioritization of personal comfort over helping others. It emphasizes the urgent need for change, suggesting that hope can be manifested through acts of kindness, love, and the willingness to share resources with those in need. The author encourages readers to be the bearers of hope in a world where it is desperately required.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the current state of the world is troubling and requires immediate attention and transformation.
  • There is a strong opinion that society has become desensitized to the suffering of others, focusing on personal gain and security instead of extending help.
  • The poem expresses a critical view of how government forces are perceived to prioritize self-interest over providing genuine assistance to those in need.
  • The author suggests that hope is not just an abstract concept but can be actively given to others through tangible acts of charity, compassion, and solidarity.
  • The text conveys a sense of urgency for readers to acknowledge the plight of the less fortunate and to take action to alleviate their suffering.

Hope

Poetry Prompt

Photo by Hatham on Unsplash

I received a writing prompt from Christina Meier Ph.D and Melanie J. to write about Hope. It reminded me of a spoken word poem I had written around 10 years ago titled Hope. Probably the first spoken word piece I’d written so hopefully you can hear the rhythm… and feel the hope ✨

I turned on the tube to see what was happening And that’s when I knew that this was no laughing… matter because the world was in trouble, like whoa, I don’t mean to burst your bubble

But things just ain’t right and things got to change Things need to shuffle and be rearranged My brothers are hungry, and my sisters are poor Children who live but don’t have a door – to their house because they live on the street A life begun already in defeat

A boy begging for crumbs while his sister gets raped As an elderly man sits blind at the gate waiting for help for the last 20 years But his voice is not heard and neither the tears of the millions who are dying of diseases like AIDS When its too tough for us to give away an ounce of our time, our treasure, or even our prayers As we walk from the bottom to the top of our stairs of our 3 story houses that we think we deserve While “will work for food” signs line up our curbs

Oh yeah, its time for change, that is no question But, I wonder in fact, have we learned our lesson Help has been needed for the last 2,000 years But it seems that we can’t give in to our fears of security because we trust in our horses Our security in self and then the government forces…

Their due to “help” but rather end up spending on self This while the child crying screams out for help because his mommy is dying and daddy’s in jail How much longer must they weep and wail till we offer a hand, and offer our love And give them some hope in the form of a dove flying to witness there’s hope on the way

Maybe you can give that gift to somebody today 🕊

Hope
This Happened To Me
Inspiration
Self
Love
Recommended from ReadMedium