The Plight of the Acholi Child

The sun rises and shades its radianceonto the earth.The wind blows across the hills and the valleysOver the rocks and mountainsbringing hope and joy to the creatures under the sky. But not so to the poor childBorn in the bush Lives in ‘protected’ campsYear in-year out20 years and over. Surrounded by all terrors in the landof misfortune.Weeping and wailingMourning and groaningAre your companions in life AIDS robbed you of parental love and care You face brutality, abduction and are sexually molested by they who shouldyour protectors be War shattered your very hope for survivalAnd now you are a laughing stock amongyour age- mates in the land where milkand honey flows. Displaced, depressed and traumatized Denied quality education, basic needs and protectionYour hope for life and future prosperity is in ruinsYour destiny is in the hands of fateOh! Poor child of Acholi land. Crying aloud in vainAlone you sufferNon comes to your rescueOh! What a shattered hope!!!