The Children of Hope and Hopelessness

Young children, taught briskly and astutely
By their strict, logical, but friendly teachers,
In a local institution of high moral purpose
And refined quality.
Boys and girls giggling and sharing
Fun and games during recess,
Then marching back to their books,
Pencils, and notebooks.
Despite the wealth or poverty of
Their kind-hearted, grooming parents,
These children play and act
With cherished innocence and
A sweet desire for fun and
Wholesome, engaging activities. 
At this age, the hope is for laughter, warmth,
And togetherness, reaching beyond the
Boundaries of race, ethnicity, or background.

Unfortunately, the hopelessness
That many children feel comes
From poverty, discrimination, unfairness,
Or cruelty from other children.
Other factors like disease, handicaps,
And moral and political injustice
Also rear their wicked heads.
Many children face a tomorrow of
Tremendous pain and uncertainty,
While grieving adults continually search for answers.
Whether people are near- or far-sighted,
Or see this senseless picture
With perfect eyesight,
They can easily understand that
This frightful, tactless world must
Achieve the universal love, nurturing, and protection
Of all of God’s wonderful, adaptable,
And unique children.