If

 

by

 

D. L. Charles

Copyright 1988

 

Through no fault of their own -

If only one shivers in the cold, how can we sleep warm in our beds?

If only one perishes for lack of food, how then can we hold up our heads?

If only one is turned away when feeling pain, upon all of us lies the shame.

If only one is mistreated because of race, then all of us must share the blame.

If only one cries out a wrong and is ignored, then Justice has been denied.

If only one reaches out a hand and no one is there, then compassion and mercy have died.