Act Fast

'Ma'...she cries

'Someone is choking me

I can feel the air being

squeezed out of my lungs.

My eyes cannot see 

am I turning blind?

My throat hurts so bad

swallowing becomes 

more and more difficult

Am I about to die?'

Ma replies...

"No my child, symptoms 

you have described is 

due to the polluted air 

we inhale, enveloping us

Your vision is dimming

because of the heavy smog

curtain dropped from the skies

All man made and I am helpless;

crying myself hoarse telling

the authorities to take cognizance 

of environmental pollution

that is killing our children, 

and the elderly who are now

too scared to step outside"

Child answers back...

"Then Ma it's time for me to write

to the authorities asking them,

is it fair to rob oxygen supply

God given for entire mankind

I'll also ask what kind of world

will they be leaving for us

Walking on the streets with masks 

Oxygen cylinders strapped to our backs

I'm sure this will strike a cord 

in their hard hearts, prompt

them to take action fast".

Overwhelmed by the child's response

both hugged and together cried

realizing the enormity of their plight.