DEMISE

the starving

Rolling hills of sand endless to the horizon

when the sun is sleepy, sky reveals hues of purple, orange and blue

nights are black, lit only by shimmering stars

the desert is lonesome, devoid, destitute

yet it is also magical, hushed and calm

until a storm, winds whip through, churning sand in funnels

then composes until the sun’s fiery heat breathes down upon the earth

people dwell here under a harsh environment

 

Bloated bellies hollow with hunger, shrouded with pain

weeks without nourishment, a forlorn face with sunken eyes

clutches to his mother’s breast whose milk has dried up

 

An arid landscape, cracked earth begs for rain

to sanction growth to feed its starving people

stench of death in the young and old who plead to survive

too weak to move on

prayers for rain sustenance deteriorates

just like the poor humans whose lives are short

famine is a cycle of a tortuous life and an early death

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,

You've created such a heartrending picture of famine! It feels like such a shame that human beings are allowed to die like this. My heart goes out to the mothers and to their little children. Hollow faces, bloated bellies, your images are so stark and such a strong reminder to us all that we must think of those less fortunate than us and keep them in our prayers.

Beautifully expressed....

[Lisasview]

Hi Betty,
Yes, believe it or not it is me... I know, I know I have been away forever, but I am stumbling back... Pretty difficult couple of years with my new knee, etc.
Anyway, I am delighted to happen on another great one of your..."Bloated bellies hollow with hunger, shrouded with pain
weeks without nourishment, a forlorn face with sunken eyes
clutches to his mother’s breast whose milk has dried upther one of your lovely ~ warm poems... They always shine brightly."
This part tore at my heart strings... "
Hope all is well with you and yours,
Lisasview

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Lisa🌷
So glad you’re back , sorry about your knee; my shoulder is healing well ( 9 months later) a terrible surgery!
Thank you so much for seeking me out an glad you enjoyed this very sad poem
But very true… I’ll look for your posting .. you always write so exquisitely 😊
Warmly
B🌷

[Lisasview]

Hi Betty,
Yes, I do remember your poor shoulder. I also had shoulder surgery a couple of years ago and it too was horrible.I still feel it every so often.... Getting older is a pain...but worth it..ha ha
I turned 77 in February...hard to believe... I used to work out 6 days a week but with one thing after another (accidents and a new knee) since I turned 70 I did not do as much and in the past 1 1/2 years I really did basically nothing as far as real exercising. Then about three weeks ago I started again and now I am back to 5 days week. And, I already see and feel the difference. My husband says that our bodies remember and so if we have always worked out it dosen't take long to get our bodies back in shape...
Not sure why I just told you all of that?
Thank you for saying such a nice thing about my writing... Means a lot to me.
Best,
Lisa

[petec3638]

Aret we ones

I have gotten used to my new cataracts now

[Lisasview]

Oh new cataracts… that’s great❤️

[petec3638]

Hi Yes it is > I can drive again
Two operations the easy - first opp was the worst I was told to look at a bright light with my other eye - the light was far too bright
The second one said it would be 20 mins > I have to give myself to you for 20 mins > Iput my self into yoga relaxation mode
they put a cover over the free eye so I couldn't see anything
I heard 'Right lets get started (then blank - nothing to see or hear un












til 'Microscope and thought its almost finished the covers were removed
I asked how long she was 20 mins 'Thank you your the best patient I have had every thiwent fine

[Mauricio Montoya]

When I was homeless I would travel by train or by ride but every night all had to see was the sky to my demise was laying on the ground hoping by faith I would get out of this with nothing you have enemies you pray to get out this one wht that moment you had the sky. Great imagery but its still life.
Thank you for sharing.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Mauricio for reading and lovely comments
Warmly, B

[Samuel Dickens]

At first I imagined the American southwest and it's mysterious, marvelous desserts. (I fondly recall the times I visited them) But then you revealed a dessert far away, filled with tragedy and hunger. My heart is always with those who don't have enough and dearly hope mankind will learn to choose compassion over greed and cruelty. I'm touched by this fine poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you Sam for a fine review…in south Sudan, the death rate is climbing since America cut off food and medicine….a tragedy
Warmly, B

[Arundass TP]

A poem full of end moments. I am thinking how I end. Why I am born. Life really is boring but we think enjoying.. we are trapped inside time. Great poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you TP for a lovely review
Warmly, B🌷🌷🌷🌷

[Arundass TP]

Welcome friend 😊

[Relic]

This reads like a dystopian future but in reality it's true in some nations. I've never understood why people must suffer in a world where we can send men to space, or create the highest technology but can't feed the hungry.

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree and am angered that our funding has been cut; thank you for your very pertinent review
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷

[Coyote Poetry]

I went to Africa three times for a kind President. President Clinton send the Army to assist the United Nation. We try to help with food, water and medical teams. We had soldier collecting dead bodied on the road who died of starvation. Had to be bury before caused sickness. We tried to help. After I saw the pain and suffering of starvation. I learn. My life was easy. Today starvation is still here. Few can see. Powerful and worthwhile words shared dear Betty.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John for your honesty and bravery, still a terrible problem in Sudan, personal review....
Warmly, B

[Coyote Poetry]

Now in the USA. I went to my neighbor. Retired school teacher. She had no food in her house. I bought her food and my daughter takes her to the food bank. USA is falling down. No excuse for hunger dear Betty. You are welcome my dear friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

how awful and sad, it will effect us all soon enough🥲

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Betty.

[Chris Shaw]

A heartfelt write Betty. Some people have to endure incredible hardship in the battle to survive. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in an area of famine. Your imagery here is both barren and haunting. So very well penned dear friend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris
Thank you as always for a your thoughtful review; hope all is well with you🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
Warmly
B.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Wow Betty this is end times your words so cold is there hope, food for thought if only we could live before we die. Thank you for sharing something that makes me wonder.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Mauricio for a fine review!
Warmly, B🌷🌷🌷

[Mauricio Montoya]

Great read.