What Price Literacy? Poem by Martin O'Neill
What Price Literacy?
An extraordinary time you have waited
Quiet, in no kind of rush
You must be pleased now that it's over
Your time in the African bush
The grass stalks that rippled around you
The animals passing you by
The fierce yellow sun beating down
From the blue of your African sky.
When you finally burst into flower,
In blossoms of yellow and red
The eight year old girl who unearthed you
Couldn't read the notice that said
Achtung! Minen!
A BRILLIANT PIECE OF POETRY, GOOD MEANING AND HEAVY IMPACT ON THE MIND.
Yes a great poem. A powerful, a shocking poem. I believe I've read this before.
One of the most painful peace manifests I have ever read. You surely know how to manipulate a soul needs, rivers of tears are not enough to wash the sadness brought by dormant mines, what is the use of literacy if we cannot protect the child? Thank you.
Congratulations, Martin, your poem is Today's Special. The poem is impressive mainly because of its emotional content and appeal. Thanks for your notes about the poem.
Fabulous poem, Martin. Also, congratulations for having it chosen as poem of the day on December 14 for three years in a row now!
Treasure is its simple and lucid expression. The poem penetrate direst to the reader's heart. Small but unique. Thanks for sharing.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
12/5/2025 3:06:25 PM # 1.0.0
I gasped out loud in horror at the last line. I didn't see that coming - but then I guess that was the point. An excellent poem.