How I Would Change the World, If I Could

Our world is the most beautiful place I could imagine
and yet we who live here take it for granted
and abuse what has been given
us so generously.

If I had the power to change anything,
I would open the eyes of every person in North America
so that what they look at daily
is filtered through the eyes of someone
who has never seen any of it.

I would pour wonder into them again and gratitude,
and figure out a way we who have so much
could share it with those who have so little.

I would find a way to stop wanton waste
when so many are in need,
and pray for those who have so much
and yet are so unhappy.
I would put an end to greediness and hatred.

So much needs to be changed in our world,
I ask myself why I think I need another pair of shoes
when I can only wear one pair at a time,
why do I think I deserve more food than I need
three times a day,
what can I give to someone today
that would make their day better.

The only power I have to change anything in this world
is to change myself,
and that appears to be a lifelong
occupation.

First published in “Thirteen Traveling Journals” ©2005 Sharron R. McMillan