The importance of listening

The importance of listening 

by Joel Howard

Baby cries, widow weeps

Daddy cannot go to sleep

Too much pain, discomfort too 

What's a mom and dad to do? 

Beggar wails, asks for change

The truest of which never came 

Change that lasts - a home for sure 

Could anyone ask for more? 

The world is weeping, friend 

Are we listening? 

The world is grieving, friend

Are we keeping track of her sighs? 

Could we recognize her pulse 

Amidst the tumult? 

Are we listening?