Why?

Wofford College
January 2012

Why did I get chosen to sleep in a bed?
I saw an elderly man lying on stairs, eyes lifeless.
We’re both human, but why do I wear Nikes, he
wears boots?
Who makes these decisions? Why can’t I bring
myself to stop and ask his name?
He’s a man, not an animal.
Am I doing what is right? I say that every night.
Why does the women hold her child close at night,
worried about her future?
Why must people just like me and you wonder where
they will eat, when they will sleep, where they will
find hope?
Why must I be trapped, unable to ask anyone these questions?
We have the power to make solutions but why is it so difficult to
create them? Why? I have no answer but all I can share is my choice: perseverance.