(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 
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