Seven Billion Sorrows

Summary

The web content is a poignant free verse poem titled "Seven Billion Sorrows" by Lori Carlson, which reflects on the collective sorrows and responsibilities of humanity in the face of loss and global awakening.

Abstract

"Seven Billion Sorrows" is a profound piece of free verse poetry that delves into the depths of shared human despair and the weight of collective burdens. The author, Lori Carlson, expresses a personal sense of overwhelming sadness that permeates to the core of her being. The poem conveys a world where even the comfort of sleep is disturbed by the shadows of children who have vanished, suggesting a loss so profound that it haunts the living. Carlson grapples with the concept of innocence erased and questions the divine about the necessity of such sacrifices for the world to take notice. The poem suggests that humanity's collective slumber and awakening to global issues is cyclical, implying a shared responsibility for the state of the world. The piece is a contemplation on the human condition, the impact of sorrow, and the moral implications of collective inaction.

Opinions

The author feels a deep, bone-deep sadness that is not just personal but also a reflection of the world's collective grief.
There is a sense of frustration or helplessness in the face of tragedies, particularly the loss of innocent lives, which the author believes should not be in vain.
The poem suggests that the world is desensitized to suffering, needing extreme events to stir into action, and that this is a collective moral failing.
The repeated cycle of awareness and apathy indicates a critical view of humanity's capacity to maintain vigilance and responsibility towards global issues.
The author implies that everyone bears some responsibility for the world's sorrows, and this shared burden is a call to action for change and awareness.

Free Verse Poetry — Collective Burdens

This incredible sadness has seeped into my bones Even my soul is in mourning — I stand, face lifted to the sun begging for warmth But there is a chill upon my skin Like one who’s spent an entire lifetime on ice Seven billion sorrows hammer me into bed Where tears bear witness to the thunderous burdens Even sweet sleep is no release — I cannot shake the shadows where children once sat Their bodies vanished in an instance How do you explain one so erased Even their ghosts cannot haunt these halls — How do you explain to God That the innocent had to die to shake up the world That collectively, we are all to blame We were asleep, then awakened And now sleeping again

More of my endeavors:

Lori Carlson writes poetry, fiction, articles and personal essays. Most of her topics are centered around Relationships, Spirituality, Life Lessons, Mental Health, and the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to writing for Illumination, Lori writes for eighteen other publications here on Medium. Check out her personal Medium blog — Ravyne’s Nest.

POETRY | RESPONSIBILITY

Seven Billion Sorrows

Free Verse Poetry — Collective Burdens

Seeking Middle Ground

Free Verse Poetry — Finding Balance Between Extremes

These Sins

Free Verse Poem — A Life of No Redemption