Safely Trapped

Sometimes I wish to leave
Go far away never looking back
I wipe my face and notice tears on my sleeve
Why am I crying?
I realize I want to get away
When others have died trying
I am being selfish in a time of need
People are suffering and dying
They need faith and hope, not greed
So once again I begin to cry
I am sitting here safely while others die.

-- Jennifer Harzke, 13
Commerce Middle School
Commerce, Texas