Name just one of them

by Philip Fortune

Is it wrong, my Lord
To be alone and suffer?
Some say we must not
Dwell upon our limitations
Whether real or temperamental,
But be ever conscious
Of our less fortunate brothers!

Then, why have you created me
Such an individual person?
Can I not serve in solitude
By accepting such dispositions
As were bestowed on me
By life and birth?

Who has a monopoly on these decisions?
I’m fed up of the goading moraliser
Shouting at me to become involved.
Can I not be as much part
Of Your Great Plan
In my own room?

May I not offer
The time of your creation,
A legitimate sacrifice,
To spend in silence?
Or if not, then let me ask these politicians,
Out of compassion for the starving millions—
To name just one of them for me!