Pamela Hirte
Writer / Poet
Tent of Humanity
Under a bridge in freezing rain,
the flap of a tent flies open,
Inside a couple huddles together for warmth.
On a white sandy beach in the tropics,
the linen flap of a cabana sways to a warm breeze.
A relaxed couple receives a massage for two.
In the Congo violence causes people to flee homes,
a makeshift tent barely covers a family of ten.
A camp filled with the hungry wait for a food delivery.
The table is set with china plates and gourmet cuisine,
A gauzy tent shields the African sun from the elegant setting.
A group returns from their escorted safari to a hearty meal.
The platoon leader signals his troops to invade,
canvas tents contain ammunition for various weapons.
The battalions look over a hill deciphering friend from foe.
A ruptured tent of humanity rips open,
the vast dichotomy shames me.
Disgrace overwhelms.
Published by: The Voices Project
