I follow Niamh Clune’s blog “On the Plum Tree.” When she started blogging about the problems in Sahel Africa, I didn’t comment on the posts. She blogged about people being hungry and not being able to grow food because of a drought. I didn’t comment on any of the posts because I really didn’t know what to say. The problem is so big.
Dr. Clune then announced that she was having a charity event to help raise money for a foundation called SOS Sahel and she asked that artists, writers and poets to send in work for a book that she was putting together to sell to raise money to help the people of Sahel. Dr. Clune asked me if I would think about sending something in. I didn’t think that I could really do anything. I kept thinking that the problem is so big. I decided to write how I feel about it. My sister wanted to send a painting in. She said she wanted to tie hope and love to a balloon and send it to Africa to help the people there. I wanted to post it on my blog but she wanted to post it on hers so please click HERE to go see it 🙂
Dr. Clune put together a whole book of art, music and poetry and is hosting a charity event today and an art auction tomorrow. Click on the book cover to find out more. My poem and Josie’s painting are in the book along with great works from people all over the world!
This is the poem I wrote –
One Kid
By Erik W., Age 10
One kid.
That’s what I am.
What can I do?
The problem is so BIG,
And I feel so small.
WELL…
I could write a poem.
That poem will be read by at least
Seven people, who now know.
Those seven people will tell their friends.
Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians.
Ordinary people who care.
They tell their friends.
Soon the news is spreading.
Help comes really soon to the people,
A world away from me.
Crops are planted, water is fresh.
There is time for school.
A child may be able to have the things
Every child should have.
I begin to realize, there is a chance
I can help, at least,
One kid.
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Categories: Creative Kids, Other Stuff Related to Books and Reading
And your poem and Josie’s art are fantastic additions to this wonderful book. Thank you, Erik and Josie for your contributions. You are an inspiration to other children (to adults too.) And thank you to your parents for bringing up such wonderful children and allowing them to participate in the beauty of this event.
Thank you Dr. Clune for doing this wonderful event! 🙂 I am glad you like the things we made for the book!
You are very gifted with words, Erik. The message in your poem is profound, and the form is beautiful. I am following the Song of Sahel project and think this is a fabulous contribution. You are making a big impact in the blogosphere and I appreciate all you share.
Thank you Miss Marple! I had to rewrite my poem a couple of times to get it right. I am glad you like it! 🙂
That poem was very beautiful, inspiring and very moving Erik. What a lovely contribution to help the people in Africa. I loved also Josie’s painting.
THank you Ms. Tulloch! I am glad you like my poem and Josie’s painting! 🙂
Erik, I like the article you posted, but especially loved the poem you submitted. Good for you. I also released something today to help this very worthy effort.
Thank you Ms. Tilton! I am glad you like my poem! I’ll check out your post! 🙂 This is an important event!
What a powerfully moving poem, Erik. We all feel “what can we do” in the face of something so big, but every contribution gets closer to the goal. Thank you for all you contribute to the world.
Thank you Ms. Stilborn! I am glad you like my poem and Josie’s painting! 🙂
P.S. I saw Josie’s painting, and was very impressed by it, as well. I left a comment on her blog.
Excellent Erik! and for an excellent cause. You are talented!
Thanks Ms. Klostermann! I am glad you like it! 🙂
🙂
Beautiful poem, Erik. What a super you’ve done. Not many kids can say they have actively made a difference. It looks like a great keepsake. Well done.
Thanks! I hope that my poem actually helps. 🙂
Erik, your poem is so powerful! You are a gifted writer with a beautiful soul!!
Thank you Ms. Mozdzierz! Please stop by again! 🙂
What a powerful poem! You are right that you are spreading the word and everyone you tell can also spread the word. I also loved your sister’s painting.
Thanks Ms. Haight! I am glad you like our work! 🙂
Erik, this poem is phenomenal! Is the book for sale yet? I will definitely buy a copy and I’m going to share your post on my Facebook page.
Thank you Ms. Hedlund! That means a lot to me! You can get the book on Amazon. Click on the cover in my post for more information! 🙂
Such an amazing poem, Erik. It made me all misty-eyed. And Josie’s painting is also beautiful. You guys are the kind of people who will make good change in the world because you care and you try. If what you do helps one person, the world is a better place 🙂
Thank you Ms. Hill! That means a lot to me. 🙂 I hope my poem actually helps.
Erik…what a beautiful, beautiful poem. Don’t ever doubt that YOU are a writer, my young friend! Congrats!
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com
Thanks Ms. Martin! 😀 You saying that really made me smile! 🙂
Hi Erik,
The more I read of your writing, the more I realize that you are such a special young man (well, I had already realized that a while ago). Reaching out to help others in whatever way we can is one of the most important indications of our humanity. I read your blog, Erik, and my hope for the world is renewed! Thank you. 😉
Thanks for all of those nice compliments Ms. Kirkfield! They made my day! 🙂 I hope my poem helps the people in Sahel!
OMG (Oh My Goodness) your poem is just perfect. You and Josie should be proud to be part of such a worthy cause. (I am proud to know a kid who can write such an amazing poem). I am in Germany right now, the first time I am near a computer.
Thank you Ms. Foster! Guten Tag! 😉 I hope you have fun in Germany! 🙂 I hope the my poem helps the event!
What a fabulous poem! You are wise beyond your years and infinitely talented. Thanks for bringing this charity project to our attention. So cool that your poem and Josie’s painting are in the book!
Thank you Ms. Rattigan! It is an important event! 🙂
Wow,Erik! I am simply lost for words.
Your parents must be extremely proud of you and Josie.
Thank you Ms. Morris! I am glad you like my poem. This is an extremely important event. I am very happy to be a part of this. My parents say to tell you that they are really proud of us.
Wow. Like I said on Josie’s blog, I love your compassion. One person can make a difference. Many can make a big difference. What a neat project you are a part of.
I am glad you like our work Mrs. Isenhoff. It is very good that lots of people know about this (hopefully). Thanks for checking out Josie’s picture too! 🙂
Oh Erik, I love this post. Sometimes, all it really takes is one kid. And when things seem so overwhelming as they often do, remember this post of yours and see the world of difference it did make. 🙂
Thanks Ms. Bascal! I think one person CAN help!
In looking over a few old posts, I realized I didn’t comment on this one. Erik, I love that your heart is tender toward others; it shows in this great poem you wrote. I’m glad you shared it here.
Thanks Ms. Davidson! 😎