we’re sorry for the inconvenience
but form 27-a does need to be completed
we regret the delay
but our government insists
that we assure
that your dying four month-old
is not a terrorist rebel
we understand the situation is critical
for
you
but forms are the lifeblood of our country
so please don’t take offense
when we require
documentation of your child’s
place of birth
and current religious
preferences
prior
to access to a cross-border hospital
further
according to form 26-b
submitted 10 days ago
and returned after careful review
as an attachment to this letter
you indicated that your child would die
in six days
if no treatment were given
please document said event
in order that we may
process your request
for medical
treatment
We’re sorry for the inconvience, but paper is more important then a life? In this day in age one can’t recieve aid without confiding to paper, why should a mother lose precious times on paperwork and stray away from her child. A harsh reality we have to see. Well written!
red tape kills.
Brutal again and so heartbreaking.
I salute your penmanship!
Tear my hair out bureaucracy- I can’t abide with this in real life. You and I know it happens.
My rant could be longer than your well written poem. I will fill out my rant in triplicate and get back to you.
moon hugs
Thank you for your poem, the amount of paper work that has to be done for everything, these days, is a really nightmare. Your poem puts this point across beautifully. x
Same story every where at least in India I know š¦
AWESOME!!!
This is very true, even here in Sweden!
-Well written!
I like this poem very much, with its powerful juxtaposition of (literally) life-and-death matters with the awful, heartless banality of The System. Paperwork is the bane of our lives here in the UK, too: it’s why I gave up teaching, a job I really loved. I love the anger that bubbles just below the surface in your work – you say what so many of us are thinking. Thank you.
This is the paper version of the law of jungle except that instead of the strong surviving, the connected survive. In the end, we are still animals, just a bit more sophisticated. As always, you impress me with the breadth of your writing.
Must be a true story of some one you know Charlie?
It is sad…pretty sad…
Mirella
Great words as usual. I’m always excited to see what you write next.
Well done…
Turn us over…
Were ready…
This says a lot…slpmartin very good!
Screw them and the paperwork they rode in on.
Peace to you,
Laz
reminds me of a movie i watched on hospitals doing the same thing… i guess they try their best
i like the tone of the poem – very well written indeed. š
Heartwrenching… poor innocent angel. Well (so so sadly) said. Heartspell
Bureaucracy…although the procedure looks to hectic, it makes the system organized. I understand your perspective and enjoy the poem from there. Nice one…Cheers!!!
what makes this so effective is how well you have captured “system speak”
Regards,
Doug
Bloody bureaucracy. It transcends all national boundaries…that monstrous red tape.
This poem makes me think about some kind of conspiracy theory.
You express a sad reality with great impact.
Very well written and said. Cheers
So very sad.
Such a sad poem. Very well done. Injustice comes in many forms, even in the guise of helping hands.
Thank you once again Charles, for another descriptive observation; At least, I pray that it was only an observation in your personal life.
As I posted somewhere else on one of your post, maybe the ( Wood Carver ) truly should open the eyes of many hearts. But, then there are unfortunately still those, who choose just not to see.
i’m sorry
you were supposed to fill thout out in triplicate
please proceed to the back of the line and reapply
Really appreciated this poem when I read it yesterday. It’s sad how forms & rules take the place of compassion, individual judgement and common sense. I swear I see it weekly if not daily around me!
Ridiculous and oh-so-sad.
(well-written as usual)
– Dina
This is the same as those large corporations who hold meetings about meetings, to decide if they need another meeting! Excellent poem. Thanks.