I was raised with walls drawn around me

With the privilege of my race

Living with wealth that patted my shoulders

Never to feel out of place

I knew not of deep sorrow

Nor of worry or dispair

My world was entirely consistent

Was true and just and fair

I did not learn of horrors surrounding me

I was shielded - or rather cherished

The only people I knew who had died

Were of natural causes perished

And suddenly one day

There was a crack in the foundation,

An article amidst some research

Which had an allure of captivation

I read a true story of a boy

Who was forced to murder his sister

I could not breath and cried from shock

My anger bubbling like a blister

Beyond this day I heard more stories

Grew to be trusted with news

Of tragedies which weighed upon me

In ways I could not excuse

Though I did not even partake

In these hardships I would see

They would weigh down on my shoulders

And demand attention from me

I was safe and comfortable and happy

While someone was malnourished,

Was searching, was yearning, was dying

And I was guilty as I flourished

I suppose all I can do now is wait,

With a helpful heart I try to maintain,

With purpose towards appreciation,

With open eyes and attempts in vain

To help in some little way to

Comfort those in pain