Every time we plead for extra minutes to sleep,
There are children halfway around the world,
Hoping their fathers live a couple extra minutes in war,
And trying not to weep.

Every time we push away the broccoli on our plate,
There are mothers halfway around the world,
Wishing for a plate of food,
For their family of eight.

Every time we buy expensive clothes,
There are people halfway around the world,
Who could use that money to pay for chemo,
But can only pray the tumor does not grow.

Every time we don’t do our homework,
There are students halfway around the world,
Dying to hold a book in their hands,
And wanting to learn enough to work as a bank clerk.

Every time we yell at our parents,
There are teenagers halfway around the world,
Longing for a loving family,
Longing for knowledge of their descendants.