John-Ward Leighton

BULLET PROOF

I was beginning to think
I was bullet proof
beyond the pain in the world
and its unfortunate simple truth.

My eyes assaulted with images
of others pain.
I passed it all
with a cynical distain.

Don’t look I said
to my over saturated brain
as still more lives
went down the drain.

In my little selfish island
of self
love, hope and charity
were on the shelf.

I was deaf to cries for help
suspicious of those in need.
They must all be guilty
of some horrendous deed.

I did not see them
as sister and brother
in their distress
they became the other.

In my selfish little world
others became mere background noise
while my simple mind
was concerned playing with my shiny toys.

Then a picture of a young girl’s smile
and the joy in her eye
only to learn
she was to die.

Shocked the insensitive me
to the essential truth
I could have helped
if my soul wasn’t so bullet proof.

What does it cost me
to do the right thing
so their eyes can shine
and their voices sing?

A touch, a smile, a helping hand
sharing of our treasure
could bring us joy
beyond all measure.

Get love and hope and charity
off that shelf
remember that in giving
you will receive yourself.

If you cannot believe this truth
and can ignore the cries of pain
please avert your eyes, your soul is truly
bullet proof.