How many? how may?

… How many…?
How many times should I ask
before you know I need it?
How many times will say I love you
before you know I mean what I say?
How many children will carry loads and hawk
before you know that living conditions are high?

How many flooding will occur
before you know gutters are silted?
How many wars will occur
before we learn to settle our disputes?
How many times will one react in anger
before you know he cannot stand it?

How many times will I suffer pain
before you realize I am human?
How many deaths will you see
before you respect the sanctity of life?
How much disappointment is needed
before you learn to trust yourself?
How many …? How many…?