How Many

How many people

Are behind the banana

You peeled this morning,

The coffee you sipped,

The material on which

You are reading this,

How many acres,

How many herds,

How many trees,

How many birds,

How many people

Are grist for the mill

In order that we

May get our fill

Of throw away things,

Trinkets and toys,

How many girls,

How many boys,

What is the price

For us to live nice,

How many shoes

Can you wear at once.

Stephen Nesbitt ©