This competition raises money for Nourish Food Bank. The winning poem, by public vote, has £50 sent to Nourish in the poet’s name. Voting is by “likes” and ends 12th July 2018.
Antiphon
You ask why that man sleeps so late
in a winter doorway, cold, alone,
as we step round him, wide awake.
I do not know.
You ask why girls your age are chased
by men with knives and guns, from home,
while you stay warmly loved, and safe.
I do not know.
You ask, why we live high and well
while others fade and sink so low,
and not give half we have to them.
I do not know.
You’ve asked if it’s we lack the will
to act – or perhaps it’s not our role?
For fifty years, I’ve asked, and still
I do not know.
But should you ask: by not doing more,
do we not hurt ourselves, and show
we’ve made a world that’s deeply flawed?
Now that I know.
Abegail Morley 
This is a very knowing poem and shows brilliantly through its voice the puzzlement we all feel when asked such questions. Its conclusion is very thought provoking – one I ponder on constantly (our own, collective, responsibility) – a strong piece of work.
Good one and holds a lot of truth