About the Poem

In the wake of the enormous tragedies in our schools, the media onslaught and coverage, the never- ending questions, discussions and blame, always the question remains. "Why?"

Try as we might, we cannot turn back the clock and prevent such sorrow that has already taken it's toll on so many. We can however, look into the soul of our society, and summon the courage and strength to question ourselves, our own lives, and the hopes and dreams of our young children.

Change must begin with each one of us.

Another Day Has Dawned

by Kit McCallum

Amidst our chaos and confusion;
Amidst our anguish and despair;
Amidst our never-ending questions and blame;
... Lies a world of lessons.

Through our tears and astonishment;
Through our hopelessness and depression;
Through our anxiety and grief;
... Lies a world of shame.

For it is our world that is responsible;
It is our world that allowed this sadness;
It is our world that has lost its youth;
... And it is our world that needs to change.

It is a warning for those who would isolate it;
It is a warning for those who would bury it;
It is a warning for those who think it will not touch them;
... It is we, who need to address it.

For this is the birth of our own generation;
This is the birth of our own problems;
This is the birth of our own past mistakes;
... It is we, who needed to watch over them.

A new generation who have hopes and dreams;
A new generation who have life and laughter;
A new generation who deserve a chance at peace;
... It is we who need to make them secure.

It is time to stop talking in circles;
It is time to stop blaming and pointing;
It is time to stop questioning and guessing;
... It is time to accept the burden and act.

We are not blameless;
We are not above reproach;
We are not perfect role models;
... For we are the generation they emulate.

Look beyond your own your circle of life;
Look beyond your picket fences and chained doors;
Look beyond your own backyard;
... And admit your frailties and failures.

Did you not once look the other way?
Did you not once stay quiet when you should have spoken?
Did you not once say I cannot change it?
... Do you know that we can make a difference?

One small voice can begin to move mountains;
One caring gesture can begin to enlighten others;
One shoulder to lean on, can ease another’s pain;
... Did you know that you are that one?

Listen to those who are in jeopardy;
Listen to that small voice whispering that they are in trouble;
Listen to that child with the wayward, furtive glance;
... And be prepared to take part in their future.

For if you do not listen and talk;
If you do not participate and take responsibility;
If you do not guide and offer them your heart and wisdom;
... It is we, who will join in their misery.

It reaches beyond your own immediate children;
It reaches beyond their friends and peers;
It reaches beyond your nieces and nephews;
... For it is every child you come in contact with.

Positive action begins in our own backyards;
Positive action flows through your own neighborhood;
Positive action can encompass your own small town or city;
... And through this, we are all connected.

Be a mentor when others fail to counsel;
Be a counselor when others fail to listen;
Be a listener when others fail to notice;
... Be a positive experience with every child you meet.

For yesterday, someone looked the other way;
Yesterday, someone pretended they did not see;
Yesterday, someone passed by without offering help;
... But today, it is not too late.

Today, you can make a difference in someone’s life;
Today, you can offer your love and guidance;
Today, you can choose to be a positive influence for another;
... And then maybe, just maybe, our world will change with you.

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3 Visitor Comments

James

all that was stated was done with truth and wisdom to all that read impact must follow i enjoyed your words I give you 5 stars

nicky

I loved this poem, its how i felt on and off for the last five years. It made cry, but at least i know iam getting better each day. thank you for this poem

Melissa

I think the poets concern for the inhumane actions of our society are very important, and the emphasis on the suffering of the younger generation really made me think, and really made me want to do something. The poet ,I think, got the correct response from the reader there. Well done, and keep writting, theres a talent there, God gave it for a reason, keep using it.

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