Rate:4.9 / 13 votes

God Help the Unheard Children

Leslie Kay Lanham 1960 (West Virginia)

October 22 
Ode
Children should be seen, not heard
Who made up this rule?
If this is how you truly feel
Then you Sir, are a fool.

Many children go unheard
We look, but pass right by -
We’re much too busy with our own
To question them, but why?

A child should always have a voice
And someone needs to care -
They should not be hidden away
With bruises everywhere.

So look a little deeper
Than the depths of your own skin -
Hear the unheard children
See the world they’re living in.

Sticks and stones can break bones
And sometimes parents lie -
They teach their children what to say
And we’re afraid to pry.

While we are safe and tucked in warm
With family at home -
Outside on the streets at night
More unheard children roam.

They may be dressed up pretty,
But they don’t often smile -
They’re bought and sold in private
And enjoyed for a while.

Then they’re back out on the streets
Just to earn a dime -
Selling only what they have;
Their bodies and their time.

No - silence is not golden
When it comes at such a cost -
God help the unheard children
When their innocence is lost.

About this poem

Every day we hear about children being sold, beaten, or found dead. We all need to pay closer attention to the children.

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Written on October 03, 2022

Submitted by lanhamleslie on October 04, 2022

Modified on May 03, 2023

1:08 min read
1,001

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABXB ACXC XDED XFGF XCEC XHXH XIXI XJXJ GXGX
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 1,084
Words 228
Stanzas 9
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4
Full analysis for God Help the Unheard Children »

Leslie Kay Lanham

Mother, Grandmother, and happily retired. Part time poet and lyricist. Studied at Troy University. Currently resides in Pensacola, Florida. more…

All Leslie Kay Lanham poems | Leslie Kay Lanham Books

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Discuss the poem God Help the Unheard Children with the community...

21 Comments
  • ladythepoet21490
    ladythepoet21490
    This is a beautiful piece, wonderfully written, and a wonderful way to be a voice to the voiceless, the children. I love the fact that you also make us aware of the unfairness that often goes on unseen. I pray the children are helped. 
    LikeReply 129 days ago
  • ca_rajni_kant_pandey
    ca_rajni_kant_pandey
    You are absolutely right
    For those poor children who could not fight.
    LikeReply 15 months ago
  • db_83
    db_83
    That poem was just great to read!
    LikeReply 19 months ago
  • luisestable1
    luisestable1
    This makes me think of the great Cuban poet Jose Marti who once said, "Children are the hope of the world."
    Yes, there is still much abuse in the world when it comes to children, and many of them as young as ten start selling their bodies to get money to eat or are use as sex slaves.
    Your poem is one to open eyes and bring awareness and it is carried out in a poetic language. 
    LikeReply 312 months ago
  • shardy
    shardy
    Congratulations on your very poignant poem. "Seen and not heard" is a very common phrase in the South. I agree with you every child should have a voice, and we as adults and caregivers should listen. 
    LikeReply 31 year ago
  • jerrylogie
    jerrylogie
    Leslie, I just read your poem 3 times to make sure I was feeling what you were putting to words. This is possibly one of the best poems I've EVER read. You have a way with words that not only tells your thoughts but also relays your feelings...I truly can't wait for your next entry... 
    LikeReply 31 year ago
  • lovingempath
    lovingempath
    I just read this again Leslie and once again I am stunned by your poetic ability to convey life's truth's through your messages.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • Philipo
    Philipo
    True. These days, people are eviler than Lucifer himself. They turn kids into spiritual weapons without qualms.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • Wildflower888
    Wildflower888
    This is a such a powerful poem. As a teacher, I always look for those signs. It’s heavy to handle, but being aware can save a life.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • Smariec184
    Smariec184
    Favorite poem
    LikeReply1 year ago
  • MiBee08
    MiBee08
    This is one of my favorite poems because it conveys a powerful message that all should pay attention to. I almost cried while reading it. Keep up the amazing work!
    LikeReply 31 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      Thank you. I hope it raises awareness of this sad situation.
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • Leegeoghegan1983
    Leegeoghegan1983
    This was an extremely powerful poem, an absolute privilege to read, well done.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • anchor8hopes
    anchor8hopes
    This is such a powerful poem that it even gave me the chills. It perfectly expresses the seriousness that should be felt by more people of society, concerning this matter. Great poem with an immense message!
    LikeReply 31 year ago
  • Vixility
    Vixility
    Leslie, so cool! Congratulations. The subject of the poem is so important, and so neglected. Wonderful piece and well-deserved win.
    LikeReply 21 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      That is very kind of you. Thank you!
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • Symmetry58
    Symmetry58
    Great poem with a profound message. A deserving winner.
    LikeReply 21 year ago
  • JhainDoh
    JhainDoh
    Congratulations I enjoyed this so much. Thanks for this
    LikeReply 21 year ago
  • lovingempath
    lovingempath
    Great job Leslie...and congratulations! Beautiful message of 'truth'! :)
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • emera
    emera
    Easy to read, important message, good rhyming and verses connected and flowed pleasantly. Well written.and it touched me as I read through it.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      wow. Thank you for your kind words.
      LikeReply 11 year ago
  • ABIGAILKJ810
    ABIGAILKJ810
    Great rhyming scheme and a very good topic to write on. The rhythm flows really well and the ending brings it to a wonderful close. Good job
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you.
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • ashleykirtley123
    ashleykirtley123
    As an unheard child myself, this poem spoke to me.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      I am so sorry that society failed you. I pray that this will remind us all to pay closer attention to the children around us.
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • LinYoest
    LinYoest
    This poem resonates deep within me. Grooming a child to be “seen and not heard” is a conditioning achieved collectively within family structures, whether or not everyone within that structure is aware of sinister and abusive acts being perpetrated on a family member(s)—nonetheless, everyone reinforces the conditioning. And, when (if) you are brave enough and fed up enough to speak up, but then you are not believed, the bottom drops out of your world and you are deposited into a vast blackness. Alone. Confused. Terrified. Paralyzed. And a new layer of abuse is introduced into your life as you are accused of lying, of being hateful, of causing trouble within the family…

    It can take a lifetime to not just find your voice, but to use that voice in healthy constructive ways.     
    LikeReply 21 year ago
    • lanhamleslie
      lanhamleslie
      Thank you so much for your response. It is a hard subject to speak of - but I hope it will open some eyes and ears.
      LikeReply1 year ago

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"God Help the Unheard Children" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/142840/god-help-the-unheard-children>.

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