Strange Priorities
"How many people are praying for love?" ("Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" by Avalon)
There are countless people in this world who have no one that loves them ... NO ONE! Why is that not the most critical concern for all of us who DO?!? Why is that not Priority One for humankind??
Why are there not organizations, groups, web sites, and governments throughout the world, who have as their ONLY priority, this one, primary, simple, easy, BASIC, human need?!?
Yes, many charities are doing extraordinary and important work, providing food and clothing and housing for those without, but what about LOVE?!? Why are we not just as dedicated to providing for the needs of the human heart and soul??
Are there any big, red pots to throw love into at Christmas time? Are there any Santas on the corners of our cities, ringing bells and giving out hugs and affection and genuine caring and interest?
Are there any collection bins or boxes placed strategically where folks can drop off a caring embrace, or an attentive conversation, or a kiss on the cheek and a vocal "I love you!"? Does that sound absurd? But why??
Where are the stores where sad people can walk in off the street and have someone shake their hand, or put an arm around their shoulder, or lend an attentive ear to their concerns??
Where are the web sites where folks can donate a smile or a laugh or a song to cheer another? Where are the stores where a bitter or lonely person, broken from life and heartache, can walk in and find truly unconditional caring and love?!?
Why are we SO good at helping others with the physical necessities to sustain life, and yet completely careless when it comes to giving others the basic love and kindness required to fill a lonely heart and a weary soul??
We donate our money at the drop of a hat to supply others with medical attention and clothes and meals to fill their stomachs, but their hearts remain empty and overlooked, their souls neglected and broken ...
A lack of love will kill someone just a quickly and surely as starvation or exposure or disease, yet we hoard it and confine it to those who are close to us, and dole it out carefully in measured portions to those we deem as worthy ...
But WHY?!?
Why is love and kindness and caring not seen as JUST as important as any other human need?!? Why do we not share it and encourage it and give it, at LEAST as freely as we do our hard-earned money and resources??
I am just as guilty as anyone else of this crime, and it IS a crime - a horrific one - because imagine how few of those OTHER needs, the physical ones, would remain if LOVE was made the number one priority ...
What has created within human society, this seemingly massive and absurd oversight of the lack of love and caring and kindness, and the extreme rationing of the EMOTIONAL needs that are just as crucial to survival??
When will we give the deficiency of love in this world, the critical attention and priority that it's due? I believe it will require a change in the collective conscience of humanity, a completely NEW way of doing things, but I honestly don't know ...
I DO know that we must TRY ... somehow ...
For what is the point of life - what is the purpose of being human - if not to LOVE?!?
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Protest Poem: A Poem With A Message" Poetry Contest, Stephen Pennell, Judge & Sponsor.
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