Freshman Amanda Raphaella Ibanez speaks for the animals. She is this year’s winner of the Hawaiian Humane Society’s annual “Mission PAWsible” poetry contest. Her poem “Why?” was inspired by the idea of what a neglected dog would say to its owner. Ibanez will receive her prize at an on-campus ceremony May 13. She is a student in Stephanie McLaughlin’s Language Arts class.
Why?
Amanda Raphaella Ibanez
Grade 9
Why isn’t it fair?
Why don’t you care?
The bond we had when I was young
Seems to have been forgotten
Why?
Why have you left me outside?
Why have you stopped giving me attention?
Why am I being treated like this?
Why have you stopped loving me?
Why?
I miss the times
The times you walked me
The times you played with me
The time I wasn’t tied up
Why?
Why can’t you see?
Why can’t you tell?
I’m not happy
I will never be, as long as I am neglected
Why?
The chain that weighs me down
It’s about as low as my frown
You used to treat me as if I wore a crown
Now I know, I’m merely a clown
Why?
Why can’t I be brought inside?
Why can’t I have a meal?
Why can’t I get the attention I need?
Why is it you don’t want me anymore?
Why?
Why can’t I breathe?
Why can’t I walk?
Why can’t you see me?
Why won’t you help me?
Why?