"I Hear Voices" (Poem)

I hope you don't think I crazy after I tell
You this, after I tell you I hear voices.
All the time I hear them, I try to ignore
Them but they're too strong. Piercing through
My ears, through my heart, and into my soul—I hear them.

I hear voices of women made punching bags for their husbands
Embracing every blow, fearing to say anything to anybody because
If they do, the next blow might be fatal.

I hear voices of men and women living on the streets
Because they have no one to turn to and nowhere to go;
Asking for money saying they need it for food. Unfortunately,
It's the food that's taken in with a needle, through the nose, or even
Inhaled.

I hear voices of children from third world countries begging—crying—
Dying for food. I see telethons on television raising money for them, but
I have yet to see a telethon raise money for our children here; living in cars
And cardboard boxes, begging—crying—dying for food.

I hear voices of young women receiving a gift but regret receiving the
Gift so soon; and I hear the voice of the father denying his very role in it.

I hear voices of people like me and you who didn't heed the warnings
Of the sixty-three percent and now Death will be knocking at their
Door a lot sooner than they expected.

And I hear voices of those who paved our way so long ago, mourning and crying
An agonizing cry because it seems like the very thing they fought, bled, and
Died for was for nothing.

Constantly, I hear these voices—make them stop—make them stop, please
Somebody—make them stop.