Of this world I am not

For my eyes see little of

the things promised by

 those that speak of love and

 powers that would protect us

 from the evil forces of darkness.

∞

Of this world I am not

For my heart aches for those

that huddle by the dim fire of

a rusted ash can as snow and ice

stiffen the grimy clothes

 upon their backs.

∞

Of this world I am not

For try as I may I cannot justify

that which allows twenty thousand

innocent children to die each day of

 starvation as others gorge themselves on fatted

 calf with no thought of those that perish.

∞

Of this world I am not

For in spite of the beauty that

 surrounds me I fear it is only

a thin cloak of deception providing

shelter for the pain and

suffering that dwells within.

∞

Of this world I am not

For as each day dawns and the sun

bathes my world in the many blessings

of a superficial Eden like existence I feel

despair in knowing that others must suffer without

 so much as a glimmer of hope to sustain them.

∞

Of this world I am not

if I cannot find it within myself

  to give rather than take

to sacrifice rather than hoard

to feel others pain rather than my own pleasure

∞

“To be in this world but not of it.”

  is the solace I seek

©Copyright Charlie Gragg April 27, 2010