Honey-glazed eyes used to fill with laughter

their lids crinkled like fallen leaves

and rosy cheeks used to meet the smiling eyes

to make room for a wide-toothed grin

The wave of poverty washed over the

smiling, exuberant face and left a

desolate, tired image

ready to leave the world in her wake

Brown eyes stained with tears and fear

swollen eyelids close with every ache

cheeks sunken in like an empty shell

no longer needing the room

I propose a transformation

A transformation that can change the world

with help from all, we can

change the fate of all

For to help the strong,

we must empower the weak.

As JFK proclaimed, “If a free society cannot help

the many who are poor,

it cannot save the few who are rich.”

We must all vow to help the poor

through advocacy, donations, and more

To change their terrible position

a position that could have easily been our own