The haves and have-nots

Upside down, Telegraph Hill, San Francisco.

When I was growing up in the American South, I became acutely aware of disparities - in income, in living conditions, in education. It bothered me that while some people enjoyed enormous privilege and lived quite comfortably, others struggled to survive. I noticed that these problems crossed racial and socio-economic borders, yet serious issues usually were neglected or marginalised - just like the people affected.

Wherever I've traveled in the world, I've noticed a consistent thread of disparity between the haves and the have-nots. No matter the language or the culture or the geographic location, the inequities are similar. To achieve more equality and balance - at the very least to help the have-nots have more - has been "my line," as per the writing prompt for Write On Wednesday. Long before I realised it, political activism and human rights work became part of my life: first through my writing, then through my actions.

This child deserves
as much as you or I
no matter his background
or his family history.

That child isn't smarter
or more compassionate,
simply because a silver spoon
fed her from birth.

This child might discover a cure for cancer
if you give him the chance:
the same education and guidance
afforded his richer friends.

That child might use her wealth
to improve the lives of others;
provide opportunities for those
who never caught a break.

This child could confound the naysayers;
refuse to remain a product of his environment.
He could carve another destiny,
born of vision and belief.

Who you are and who you become
isn't defined by material wealth,
but by what you do to help yourself
and those less fortunate.

Comments

[paisley]

i do so wish there was something we could do to even out the playing field,, and i really enjoyed your prose and your poetry illuminating the truth we are all born equal.. and i too wish we could all be given the same chances to thrive...

but then it seems like we all know how unfair it is,, and we all feel for the children,, and the adults too caught in that void,, and yet nothing ever happens to change it,, at home or abroad.. a sad state of affairs indeed...

what can an individual person do?? i feel as if my hands remain tied...

[Gemma]

Thoughtful words of truth! Money is not the main signpost on the road to happiness. Happiness is letting someone act out his/her vision.

[catherine ryan]

Beautiful post and poem. As a teacher, I completely agree with you and struggle to help students overcome societal images of themselves every day.

[stephanie]

Beautiful words....the children hold the keys, let us nurture them all.

[dana]

right on!

[Rebecca Reid]

I love your passion for human rights: we all need more of that in our own lives.

[Becca]

Amazing post, Tara, and I see so clearly how this passion to illuminate the inequalities that exist in our society has permeated and informed your writing. The poems says it so perfectly, with strenght and beauty combined.

Thank you for sharing this at Write On Wednesday :)

[Kay]

Fine, wise words perfectly put together.

[tangobaby]

This is a beautiful poem that I'll want to read again. Living in a city where the cost of living is going through the roof, surrounded by shops where price is no object, but a mere few blocks away, people are sleeping in the doorways of these designer stores before they open for business.

It is appalling to see how little is done by those in power to help those who have none. I suppose it is the prerogative of powerful people to preserve their little insulated worlds and that is why things stay the same.

Thank you for reminding us that the world could be a very different place.

[Nutster]

I don't endorse suffering....but have noticed that many who have suffered the most have made the greatest contribution. There is honor in growing up without privilege. You have plenty of room and that extra motivation to move up and contribute if that is within.

Thanks for the post...it has made me think of a future posting on my own blog about people that were given height and beauty. While not the same as wealth vs poverty, there is a similar thread...many doors open automatically where others have to figure out how to pick the lock on the back door.

[Wonders Never Cease]

What a lovely poem.

Involving children in work to help others is such an important part of their lives. I want my kids to see the difference and know that they can be part of the solution to the unfairness of life.

[Tammy]

That is exactly why I read your blog but the woman behind the words has opened my heart. Your writing is making a difference Tara, you should be proud. Powerful poetry XXOO

P.S. Do you have any dates yet on your SF trip?

[Colette]

There is something inherently disgusting when attention is given to the wealthy and people will fill their overflowing with coffers just to have something associated with them. I prefer to give my money/help to those who need it. Paris Hilton could feed a whole country with a month's pocketchange. Go on Paris Hilton, I dare you. Help the disadvantage to help themselves...

as if.

[Judy in KY]

I have stopped watching any "entertainment news" for this reason. It angers me when I see glowing reports of the "fabulous" lifestyles of the very wealthy (usually celebrities). Why does anyone need purses and shoes that cost thousands, or multiple multi-million dollar homes?
I just heard yesterday about someone paying $37,000 a month rent for an apartment in New York City. That show about "sweet sixteens" where parents pay millions for parties, clothes, and cars for spoiled daughters... it's all disgusting when you look at the way most people in the world barely survive.

[My Castle in Spain]

Thank you dear Tara for this poem. Your beautiful words do find an echo in me.

[JP/deb]

Hear, hear, my friend. I love the lines of your work, the meaning within, and the passion you infuse into each word. xx, deb

[pam aries]

Dear Tara...this is so very touching. I often think about the contradicions in life. Children are starving/People spend thousands and thousands on designer clothes. THat's just one . THank you for bringing this to light . I hope you are doing well!

[Philip]

Your comments are just remarkable! I fully share your ideas.