The Metaphor Of Madaya Hunger Poem by RIC BASTASA

that emaciated child asking for
food for his younger sister
is but a part of the bigger picture,
beyond this frame is the
complete story of the powers that be
whom we do not see
but who can stop and make go of
everything
they who hold the switch of even
day and night, war and peace,
two faces of civilization: one that they
destroy on screen and the other that
they build on sand,
the sky is broken, buildings like chalk
crumple and children
are murdered.

The one that asks for
bread on winter time
is you.