What have the people done, Charlie?

Once I believed.........

That bullies were sad hurt people who would

bully others because they didn't know how

to deal with their own pain.

That even when people said things that they 

knew would hurt the people they said it to,

they didn't really mean it, they just didn't

know where to place their own repressed

hurt, anger, and frustrations.

That behind all masks and costumes, 

 we're all vulnerable and scared

human beings.

That the good would always conquer

the bad.

That love would always be stronger

than hate.

That honesty would always triumph

over dishonesty.

That treating others with kindness would

always be more appreciated than

 treating them with callousness.

That gentleness, tenderness and compassion

would always be viewed as strengths rather

than frailties.

That there were people that always felt that they had to

tell others how great they were, although deep down

inside, they always felt really small.

That there really were people who wanted to

be a voice and stand up for the downtrodden, 

the poor, .... the ''little'' people.

That there were people who possessed power who

really wanted to use it for justice, freedom and

liberty for all.

That there were people who wanted to use their

insights, wisdoms and knowledge for the benefit

of the many and not for money.

That there were people in powerful governing positions

who when given the choice between war or peace

would always chose peace.

Once I believed that mankind would never entertain 

 the idea of creating weapons so powerful that they

could extinguish planet earth and all life upon it

by the mere push of a button.

Now, I don't know what to believe.

And yet, .... in spite of my disbelief

lingers a persistent quiet voice whispering:

Hold on to hope.

''Hope is the thing inside us that insists, despite

all evidence to the contrary, that something better

awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it,

to work for it, and to fight for it.''

(Barak Obama)

about the image: acrylic and eyeliner pencils

on canvas

Title: ''What have the people done, Charlie?''

(This is the last painting in a series of 5)