Self Concern

By Gerald Sumeracki

I looked upon the starving child
A youth of distant lands
His sunken cheeks, death paloured eyes
Thin fingers withered hands.

His swollen groin and twisted frame
Did touch my inner soul
I knew that death would soon arrive
The bells would slowly toll.

I looked away, I'd soon forget
This horrid ugly sight
Yes soon forget I knew I must
Once morning followed night.

For I am not this poor child's kin
He has no claim on me
His loss be no concern of mine
He's far across the sea.

I have so many other things
That play upon my mind
And many bills from which I flee
That have me in a bind.

If I concerned myself with him
So far across the sea
The funds I use for fun and play
Would be much less for me.

"Look out for self!" I learned that rule
Least I become like him
A twisted starving dying wretch
A memory soon to dim.