Children in Need

Upon the arm
Of the niched madonna
The painted virgin's shoulder
The podgy Christ child
Smiles
Half awake and half asleep.

And all about
The real world
Is ruined childhood
Wounded
And abused.

How is it
In the heart of man
To do such things?
And it was ever thus
From Herod to the present day.

JL Nov 16. 14:37