Outside, people sweat and cannot sleep;

and far away, bones grow thin and weak

and gums bleed; and, always, somewhere,

men are fighting just to keep

the dirt they live on, their friends,

and the chance to smile;

and everywhere, at night, men and women cry

and curse the day and ask in darkness;

is it better to live like this or die?

But when I look into your face,

a smile swells in me that overwhelms

and lets me know how little the distance

is between joy and pain,

but oh how huge to those who do not share it.

Sometimes, I wonder is it fair to have you near

and feel you here beside me so close and warm?

Is it fair that we can have such moments

and be so glad?

Is this a dream we’re living,

a world away from harm?

Outside, people sweat and cannot sleep,

while I lie here with you and touch your arm.