A Simple Question Poem by Jim Yerman

We see pictures of hungry, sad and poor people in the world…
and we question…how can this be?
We wait and hope someone will help them
perhaps their friends or family…

After all…If a member of our family or a friend was hungry
we would gladly share our food.
If their heart was broken or they were sad…
we would try to soothe their mood.

If a member of our family or a friend needed money
we would find a way to share
If they needed shoes to cover their feet…
we would gladly give them a pair.

If a member of our family or a friend had no home
we would try to ease their pain.
We would want to keep them safe and warm
we would offer them shelter from the rain.

But…if we believe everyone is our brother or our sister
then doesn't that make everyone we see…
every person in the world
a member of our family?

So instead of questioning how can this be
and waiting for someone else to help the hungry, sad and poor
Shouldn't the more appropriate question be
What are we waiting for?