the children tomorrow

by George Richardson
(Brooklyn, New York)

I see tomorrow in the eyes of the children
Though the parents see only themselves
The doctor, a lawyer screaming to be free
And they eat what kills what never was started

I reach for the children that are holding tomorrow
In arms of dreams they cannot yet hold
Arms reaching out and grasping handles of nothing
Their protectors needing protection themselves

I listen to the children that are hearing tomorrow
In faint whispers that fight through neglect
I love you would kick start their genius awaiting
The departure of waste that comfort thinks is success

I long for the strength that will be the children’s tomorrow
Winners of the battle birth makes them fight
Now in the hands of those who once were the children
Who don’t know the children are the release from yesterday.