Beggars Lantern

The streets are trashed with ignorance,

the lamps shot out by intolerance.

It’s dark, I’m scared.

I cannot find my way.

Where is the illumination called education?

Where is my government, my allies,

who take donations,

but will not help me?

Where is the church and its minions,

who want money and time and count

souls as trophies?

My future is up to them?

No, no way. I will not let this happen.

To all, I say, even a beggar’s lantern

can make light.

Be bold, be brave!

Let us join together, united, unafraid, and

brighten the darkened corners of night.

By Ruth A. Souther

This poem won 2nd place in a contest sponsored by the local Springfield, Illinois NOW, 1992.