(a sestina)
The hollow stares of hungry children
along the rural dirt roads of Nicaragua
haunt us; we wonder how they will grow.
Family squatters on plantation farms;
laborers for landowners, not partners.
Who will help people aching for hope?
Corruption feeds the raw hopelessness;
political powers disregard needs of children.
Fathers must go find work, leaving partners.
Hurricanes and earthquakes rock Nicaragua.
Disillusionment fills the stomachs of poor farmers.
Can the rainy season inspire lush dreams to grow?
Restless longings of youth and age are growing
like howler monkeys hanging on vines, hopeful
in spite of elusive prospects that leave farmers
without funds to buy school shoes for their children.
Dignity and determination possessed by Nicaraguans
may yet transform desperation by a strong partnership.
They need land loans and encouraging partners
who will water dormant dreams to boldly grow.
See machete-wielding campesinos of Nicaragua
clear parcels of land and build better houses on hope.
Families together enrich soils of mountains and children,
planting red beans, coffee and fruit trees on their own farms.
Linked together, North American and Nica farmers
join hearts and hands in prayerful partnership;
envisioning a new future for bright-eyed children
and encouraging their greener dreams to grow.
Providing opportunities which renew hopefulness
by reaching out to our neighbors in Nicaragua.
Norteamericanos can learn much from Nicaraguans:
Value simple blessings and family-friendly farming
The practice of contentment fills one with hopefulness
Mutual respect breaks down barriers to partnership
Stepping beyond comfort zones makes faith grow
Real vision for future and education, will feed children.
Building hope-filled partnerships
between Nicaragua and Iowa farmers
offers growth opportunities for all God’s children!
a poem in my pocket 
Oct 03, 2013 @ 01:54:03
Yes, this was a tough form for me…any pointers, Gay? Thanks for reading!
Oct 02, 2013 @ 21:01:06
Sestinas are difficult. You stayed pretty true to the form to explicate an important message about our neighbors in Nicaragua.
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:37:22
Great use of form. The sestina is a tough one that I have yet to try. On the topic of choice–the fortunate should bear the torch for the less fortunate. Such partnerships are necessary and important. After all, we are all God’s children.
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:47:09
Thanks, Ginny!
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:21:18
I enjoyed this poem tremendously. Nice to hear of the co-operation between the Iowa farmers and the Nicaraguans. It is this kind of partnership that CAN benefit us all. I agree that North Americans can learn much…and learn to value the simple, but important, things of life!
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:49:50
So true …thanks for reading.
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:14:50
this reminds me a lot of the stories that some of members of my church have shared about their experiences in Haiti…where the people have practically nothing, but spend their evenings singing and praising God…while we in North America who have practically everything we want…but grumble about the things we don’t have. Your poem is a wonderful story of hope.
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:57:02
Haiti is poorest nation in western hemisphere; Nicaragua, the second poorest. But the people are rich in gratitude.
Oct 02, 2013 @ 02:56:20
good for you…we as poets need to speak out for those that cant
for the ways our world can work, across borders…where we help those
in need…thanks for raising awareness and speaking out…
Oct 02, 2013 @ 03:52:36
It really is important…I appreciate your thoughts here, Brian.