An Orphan’s Voice

This poem is dedicated to children around the world who have been forgotten.

Children who have no voice.

Children who have been victims of injustice, war, disease, abuse, trafficking, neglect and greed.

Children who God asks us to defend.

I wrote this based on David’s writing of the 68th Psalm where he says, God is a “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.”

I wrote this for the beautiful children of Northern India, West Africa, Mexico, Peru, America’s foster systems and our own inner cities, which I have had the privilege to meet.

You will see them in this poem.

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Mama’s sick, daddy’s gone

Belly’s empty, I’m all alone

Can’t grow food, the ground is poison

Religion says, it’s the path I’ve chosen

Papa lives in a new steel home

A solitary place, no room to roam

His hug feels good, I need to cleave

I have to go, and he can’t leave

Man with car, driving up the street

He gives me things, always bitter sweet

I will find love, even if it hurts

Pain has become the way I divert

He says he loves me, I want to believe

He beats me sick, my skin bleeds

My actions compromised, he’s gonna make me rich

Need a new definition, love shouldn’t feel like this

I sweat with fever, mosquitos rage

Can’t get a net, it’s a two week wage

Rain forgotten, water brown

It’s all I drink, intestines pound

Church round the corner says they have good news

Only open an hour a week, I am confused

They say Jesus loves me, I better get in

I need to experience God, with bones and skin

Gunshots past my window, sunset brings a brand new show

I survive another corner, I survive another go

Told there is a God, told he’s a father

I’ve been burned before, not gonna bother

New job in the city, a new hope pending

Been lied to once again, now a slave never ending

Parents think I’m safe, making a living

I’m used everyday, more animal than human being

I have no value, I have no worth

Accidents happen, including my birth

I have no future, I have no sight

But I will survive today, I’m ready to fight

I need a dad, I need a mom

I need a house, I need a home

I’m one of millions, yet all alone

I’m looking for a place where love is shown

I’ve heard of children, with gold in their hand

I want to go there, this forgotten land

Where a bitter pill will make me better

Please someone notice, I’m praying for a letter

I want to go where children aren’t fatherless

Where my bellies full and the streets are harmless

I want to go where love doesn’t hurt and mosquitos don’t kill

Where churches are trading and Grace is the deal

I want to go where I feel safe, no longer looking behind me

Where I can find God, my heavenly father, who places the lonely in families