Islands

Watercolor from almost exactly one year ago. — painted by me

If no man is an island,
why do I feel alone
in a bustling room of people
who are looking at their phones?

If no man is an island,
why do I fake a smile
and then talk for a while
while slipping in denial?

If no man is an island,
why is it hard for us to talk
and easier still for us to mock
instead of guiding on this walk?

If no man is an island,
let’s take a look inside
to see the problems that we hide,
losing our facades of lies.

If no man is an island,
who are those people on the street,
waiting for you and me
with nothing else to eat?

If no man is an island,
why are there countries without water
while their governments devour,
a testament to their power?

If no man is an island,
why are there children in slavery,
taken away so that no eye can see
the extent of their tortury?

If no man is an island,
let’s get to know our neighbors
and learn to be their saviors
battling beastly behavior.

No man is an island,
so let’s not break or bend,
standing with our friends
when injustice never ends.