...Starts With You Poem by Claudine Riel

We’re asked if we’re there yet

But just last night around my block
Justice was fighting for peace
From the look of it all
As drugs and guns still reigned like a feast
An all you can eat buffet was taking a fall

So you tell me
Are we there yet?

Harder, more than ever
For people to provide for their families
While politicians can’t even agree
Health, education or just hate and fight the enemies

The Majority claim they’re not even prejudice
While Minority often called “those people”
As the Medias shows struggles and failures, violence and death
Swept under in a smooth but hypocritical way
Greed, success, money and fame is being hidden away

But what needs to be realized is that living and death,
Don’t have a culture or color tags on ‘em
If you really think about it
Once the show’s over
All that’s left to see now
Your own reflection taking a bow

Today, Majority swears up & down
Appearing not being in opposition
While daring their own
To give power to Minority
Just to hope and pray
Succumbing to temptations
Will only be a gesture of pity (charity)

So you tell me
Are we there yet?

Schools, education and survival
Or fear, violence and death?
Parents, teaching and supporting
Or abusive speeches used to shatter hopes & dreams?
Caused by despair and distress
Over Politician’s oppressive revolution

Religions, faith and redemption
Or doubts and sinners
Medias, successful stories of progress
Or malice, hatred and wars
Along with power and greed

CEO’s and employers calls it adequacy & efficiency
But often mistaken or three times out of five
It’s under cover favoritism
Prejudicial comments empowering in disguise

So you tell me
Are we there yet?

Some marriages are consumed
With ulterior motives
Versus love and genuine concerns
Without a backstage door to even return

Selfishness being the main issue
Followed with high and unrealistic expectations
Unconditional and mutual, dismissed, put up on a shelf
With caring and respect
Only to be used and taken for granted
When convenience is available

Yet at the end of our days
Once it’s all over
Not culture, color & shades
Will determine who gets love or hate

So you tell me
Are we there yet?

Think about it, why did it took
From natural disasters; Katrina’s now Ike’s
From blitz of the two major seeds of “The Apple”
To school’s fusillades
From countries & communities starvation or poverty
To bullies, beaters, abusers and rapists
Through blood and tears
Before Majority & Minority
Started reuniting for hopes of equality?

Tomorrow morning, remember
That the day will end
When it does, you and your reflection will be left
What happens before then
Is still up to you to make it better

Now, you ask yourself
And tell me
Are we ever gonna get there?


Sept.14th,2008