When you think to yourself

I can't function this early
Think of the children in Thailand
Who peel shrimp at five a.m.
And think again.

When you think to yourself
This is busywork
Think of the children in Guatemala
Who scoop garbage for work
And think again.

When you think to yourself
I can't eat this cafeteria food
Think of the children in Burundi
Who have no food
And think again.

When you think to yourself
This textbook is pointless
Think of the children in Syria
Who walked a hundred miles to get one
And think again.

When you think to yourself
I have no free time anymore
Think of the children in India
Who spend their time spinning yarn
And think again.

When you think to yourself
I'd rather die than be here
Think of the children in Pakistan
Who did die for trying
And think again.

When you think to yourself
I will never use this in life
Think of the children in Somalia
Who never got to use their lives
And think again.

When you think to yourself
Why should I feel grateful
Why should I try
Why should I embrace school
Why me
Think of the children around the world
And think again.