A Sea of Melancholy
She sailed upon a gentle sea of melancholy-brave oars dipping.
She was awash with long ago laments which I could not guess.
Her movements were slow.
Her eyes never darted-they oozed from side to side-
tiny lagoons abutting her sea-
and languidly
she spoke to me.
'I have had so much sadness in my life
young'un and time was I was a bright young thing
but life can wear you down-only so many things can go wrong
before you put your finger to your head and imagine its a gun.'
Friends die, she said, I'm 93 and three husbands buried,
even most of the children dead.
Yet God keeps me lingering on, I think, way past my time.'
My great grandmother had this sad dignity, layers of laments
speaking to herself as much as to me.
'I wanted to know her, her life, and I was her great-great grandchild
eager to know who and where she came from.
She would sit, in her high-backed chair smoking little cigars
starting a story and then abandoning it. Some times she finished
a story but you never could be sure, because her voice would drift
off into memory.
'I was rambunctious' she was saying.' ran off the reservation, barely 20-
they were trying to marry me off to an old white man, half blind, and crazy.
'I was having none of that.
Walked right out and hopped the 401 freight, cap down passing myself off as a boy.
Had me a good old time too.
Them days people hunkered down in the freight cars and never spoke, looking
for a gin bottle and the next stop.
I was fine from the Dakotas to Chicago where in the last leg, a man noticed me
saying 'you ain't no boy are ya? '
Cutest boy, not much older than me, his pockets full of bread loaves and he
handed me one saying ' You look hungry.'
Gave me one of those big-as-a -house smiles of his and I was a goner from the start.
That is how love is sometimes just comes over ya and you just hold on for dear
life because you are not in control. It was like that with me and him.
Called me his 'box-car baby' and cuddled down with me for the final ride into
the city, eating bread and spinning dreams.
'Oh he was a dreamer, on the way to Chicago he said to get his share of some land his grandfather had left in in Alabam'. He was going to take that money he said and do big things-travel high wide and handsome, make him some money and find him a life mate cause times were too rough to travel through life alone.
When I die he said 'I want to die in the arms of my honey, just like this, ' he said squeezing on me.
It was not exactly a marriage proposal, but, he acted like it was and after a month of haggling with his kin in Chicago over who got what, he came out of the lawyer building waving a check saying 'let's go get hitched.' Just like that, he said it. just like that.
'We was together 30 years and God saw fit to take him early'
Great great grand looked at me with those melancholy eyes and said 'things
since have never been the same with me. Never got over God taking him.
Didn't seem fair.'
'Yes' she said 'life has a way of giving you a bit of heaven on earth and then for me heaven just went away.
A single tear formed behind her closed eye-lid, and, I imagined, dropped into her sea.
poem by Lonnie Hicks
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Chicago
Chicago, chicago, that toddlin town
Chicago, chicago, Ill show you around (youll stay around)
Bet your bottom dollar you lose the blues in
Chicago, chicago, the folks who visit
All wanna settle down. (all wanna settle down in my hometown)
On state street, that great street, I just wanna say,
They do things they dont do on broadway,
Youll have the time, the time of your life
Bring all your friends, all your kids and your wife to
Chicago, chicago my hometown. (hey now baby--)
(oooh baby)
Youll have the time, the time of your life
Bring all your friends, all your kids and your wife to
Chicago, chicago my hometown.
Oh, to chicago, chicago my hometown (yeah)
song performed by by Chicago
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Not A Poem But (my Life)
MY NAME IS LETICIA CERVANTES
I am 18 years old I was born in Oakland, CA i have a a ason thats 4 years ols and i live in Sacramento, CA but was raised in San Jose, CA.
my sons name is Alexis and he is my world.....n yeas i knw that i had him really young i was only 13 when i found out that i was pregnant and until this day i dnt regret any minute of it......my life growing up was rough never had a dad to look up to and my mom was never there for me well she was m\but most of the time she had to work since she was a single mother of 8 children. i slept in the streeets a couple of times but i survived.......and when my son came into thiz world he made it seem worth while n now he is the only reason why i live.
when i was 7 i started writing poetry by the time i was 12 i was discovered by one of my teachers that i wa a great poet and they snd me to meat one of the greatest poets. by the time i turned 16 i already had 4 medals for my poems n now 2 years later i actually have 20 medals and im so happy......all the people that looked down on me now are changing there ways and they want to be part of my life but its not going to happen.......right now the things that are going on in my life are that im about to graduate highschool and my son well start kindergarden pretty soon and im so excited.....and im proud of being a single mother because i knw that i dont need a man by my side to raise my child by myself without any help.....come on im only 18 and i own my own house i go to school in the morning i ahve a job on the side wich i work every day and it pays alot of money and i give my son the best things jordan shoes nikes nice close all expencive becasue my son is never goin to be waring cheap clothes i never did so he will never eaither n i knw i spoil him but iz all good because i have the money to do so.....well thiz iz the brief story of my life adn i hope u liked it and liked what u hear well thankz for taking the timke to read and take care
poem by Leticia Sanchez
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Precious Box
In my house there's a circle, where the life comes in
From the stars to my home, down through the stone,
I could have been so alone,
Without my precious box
Have I a family? I guess not
I've never seen a lot of beauty
In my life.
Well in your house there are servants, and the lights all dim
Such a beautiful home, your agent's on the phone, they never
leave you alone
The party never stops!
You say that's fantasy, I say So what, I need a little beauty
So let me in,
You know you've kind of got under my skin
You know we never see a lot of the action round here
My dear
You may want to strip again
And you look so fine in your Gucci suit
And you're making more money than your daddy
could have imagined
But people can go out of fashion, honey, yeah, any time
So take that picture, stop acting so dumb
Don't you know that the moment will come
I will find someone like you
But with something extra, I'm sorry baby
I don't know why
I don't know why that is
The systematic breakdown of my community
You know I hate my job, I try to save but God
There's just never enough
Switch on, the pressure - stops
You know the one for me, she's on Fox
And she's a little beauty
Give me your life, give me your life, I want it
Because lately, it's so freezing out here
(This side of the glass, life keeps kicking my ass)
In so many ways, but you make it good
Made me the kind of happy that my baby never could
(This side of the glass)
So take that picture, stop acting so dumb
Don't you know that the moment will come
I will find someone like you
But with something extra, I'm so sorry baby
I don't know why
I don't know why that is
Precious keeps me company
Keeps me from being alone
Because no-one comes in the morning
No-one comes in the evening time
I'd sit and wait for the phone to ring
I could be waiting my whole damn life
So sick of the same old faces
In this street, where nobody talks to me
And the funny side of the situation is
I don't care, I'll always be there
When you come down from the sky
And make yourself at home
In my house
Because these days it's the money the money
The money, honey, or your life
I said don't you know you can't have both
Stop acting so dumb
The moment will come
I will find someone like you
Something extra, (always happens baby to me) sorry baby
I don't know why (something)
Said I don't know why that is
You may want to strip again
You may want to let me in
You may want to sacrifice
More than you think is fair or right
You may want to think again
You may want to watch your friends
You may want to change your mind
You may wish you could turn back time.
song performed by by George Michael
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Last Moment
i remember the look in your eyes
it was something i just now realize.
the way it look like fear
like you really cared
afraid of what you were leaving behind
made you fight for more time.
only if i could of did more
but instead you went out the door
last time i saw you
and only memory that makes me blue.
nothing could of change that.
but, i wished i could have you back
nothing is what it seems
sometimes i feel i just got me
you were everything to me
now it feels i like i'm just empty.
nothing is the same after you left
but, there are things i wish i could of kept.
now i just have to accept
that you not by my side
being my guide
i guess there a time we got to let go
of all of the good things we want to hold,
to remember all of the good times
and the time we both cry.
that what is so great about life.
it seem to end when there're gone.
but they didn't go too far,
as everybody may think.
11-25-08
poem by Mona Martinez
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Last Sunset
The old man staring out a frosted window.
Watching life his go by.
Wondering what could have been.
Had he only tried.
Things could have been so different.
He thinks with such regret.
His end is coming closer.
This is his last sunset.
He thinks of the love that he lost.
And how he let her go.
If he could turn back the hands of time,
His love for her he'd show.
Success it was his idol.
Money, work and fame.
His work's what he took serious.
His life was but a game.
A game he played against the odds.
He thought that he would win.
But money wasn't everything.
Much to his chagrin.
He remembered a story he heard one day,
About a man named Christ.
And all the lives this man had changed.
And changed without a price.
Their lives were complete and full of peace.
And all their dreams came true.
Not with money, work and fame.
But with how their spirits grew.
The old man knowing his end was near.
Called out to The One.
“Help me know just what I missed”
He cried out to God's son.
The man with tears now in his eyes.
Looked up to heaven above.
And felt a hand upon his arm.
That filled the man with love.
And then a hug, a warm embrace.
He held the man so tight.
He vowed to not let that man go.
Alone into the night.
The man he spoke to Jesus.
And repented all his sin.
Jesus spoke with a gentle voice,
“I know just where you've been.”
“That's why I came to save you,
and I hung upon my cross.
Even though your end is near.
Son, you're no longer lost.”
The man he then closed his eyes.
With a smile upon his face.
Knowing the home going to,
Was a much more loving place.
The Savior then he took his hand,
And led the old man's soul.
To an eternity full of peace.
From a life with no control.
The old man now young and looking down.
Wondering why did he wait,
To feel the joy that Jesus brought.
But at least it wasn't too late.
The Father will come running.
To his children when they cry.
For you only have one life to live.
So don't wait until your last goodbye.
poem by Ryan Lee Morris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Dandelion
Wind spread cotton wings
white and light
and it's you try to fly
away from this ground
A field of dandelions
You traveling by the air
With the emotions there
A will to find a strength
Before grow as a new dandelion
I know u will be a brave one
Time to discover earth in your lifetime
Brave just like other dandelion
Great to know you will be fine
Cause i hope u always fine
Forbidden line is not exist
You free across the mist
At least for you, dandelion
Flying freely and not afraid
The choice you take
It's not wrong to be brave
I know one day you will find a place
Somewhere for you growing strong and flowering grace
Perhaps we don't know where but you deserve something
Like dancing in the air you will cheer with happiness
There's still a long journey
Before a seed to find a site
A basement to grow
Taller and restart great life,
Bear everything all bright
Just like other dandelions
Nobody wanted or invite hurt
But poison comes with remedy
O Friend make easy stand
Close friend will never end
Understanding is the sand
For you dandelion growing strength
White wings make beautiful land
It's been a while but i know
One day you will travel far from here
We will always keep in touch
That not much what u ask but it is a must
Because you my friend is not like a dust
To left and ignore after the past
Sometimes hello dont need a bye
But now you must fly and chase your dream
As friend always be there and understand
Without hands to hold or eyes to see
and i am glad u know i always there
and i always be there
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : Theme; Courage in dream: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Originally written for a friend, it was long time not read
but it's time for me to share with all...As i know our life
sometimes like a dandelion we have will to fly/got to leave,
Finding the best ground to restart life with more passion.
Life could be hard but i think we can learn from the dandelions
never give up, as we keep fly with small wings before
find a land we desired...a dream will come true but
time will tell when...
If you have a dream, be brave to land the dream :)
This not using friendship as the main theme (even it was included) but it more on a wish of a dream to land a future..
wherever you are life is always created for you, everyone deserves it
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
poem by Unwritten Soul
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Grandma's Treasure Box
Each of us
when we reached 14
would make the Visit to
Grandmothers house
to see what was inside
her Treasure Box;
the Family Treasure Box
where each year
one of us
got to see
what she had
hidden there..
My Dad had been;
my older brother
had been
and now it was my turn
to see that part of
Family History.
No one who'd seen
could talk of it.
No one could reveal to anyone
what was in Grandma's secret box.
No one did.
No one would risk
Grandmother's upset.
She lived beneath
the 'L' in Chicago
refusing to move
and they built
the tracks
right over her house;
each time one passed
it rocked her house
like rolling thunder;
Varoom, clacky clack
another one
going by.
Stubborn was not the word
for Grandmother.
She still wrote letters
30 years later
to every Mayor
complaining about the
tracks and the trains
saying she wanted them torn down.
Every month a letter.
Grandmother never
gave up;
never forgot;
fierce in her loves
fierce about her neighborhood
fierce about things which displeasured her
fierce about family
fierce about everything.
I sat with her,
apron on:
she served me pie.
'Sonny' she said
now you at the age
where you need to
learn grown-up things.
Like your Dad and brother
your turn now come
to see what drives
this family;
our family heirloom so to speak.
You'll see now.
As you grow up
you hear people talking about it
but we are the only family that
has it in our treasure box.
Lot's want it
but we the only one's
that has it.
She walked me up her tiny
narrow stair case to the attic
my head spinning,
wondering what it could be.
What did we have in our family
that the whole world wanted?
The treasure box was small;
a faded gold color
with a hand-carved lid
covered by Grandma's
liver-spotted hand
which shook in the dim
light.
She shifted the box,
opening it with a tiny key
smiling faintly
her eyes moistening
as a sliver of sunlight
reflected into the opening box
and I could just begin to
see what was inside.
'There it is'
she said
'What is it? ' I said,
staring at a piece of cloth;
satin sheen
with a lace border.
'Every since your great
grandmother got
it has been the luck of this family
and so people's all over the
world hear about but
we the only one's who got it.
'What is it?
Your great great grandmother's;
cut from her mother's wedding dress
and from that day
this families' luck changed.
I looked at her eyes
looking for an answer there.
'Grandma what is it?
You heard of the Silver Lining'
Yes, I said.
Well this family has the only one.
It is the Silver Lining from your great, great,
grandmothers wedding dress.
Grandma had it
and she believed it had saved our family
all these years.
'I took it out when
your mother had her cancer
and she got better
and it took away her pain.
I took it out when your younger brother
had his accident, and he lived.
I took it out when your grandfather went to war
and he came home safe.
I take it out when ever this family needs things.
It is our Silver Lining.
Now you must never speak
or tell what is in the treasure box
or it will break the spell.
I never did to this day
Today I have the Treasure Box
waiting for my child
to have a chance to see.
Grandma's gone
leaving behind her Silver Lining
for the rest of us.
And on some days
I do take it out
when things look
like they might go bad.
Just for luck.
Everyone
is always
looking for a Silver Lining
and some luck.
All the Grandmothers
gave us ours.
poem by Lonnie Hicks
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Still Around
Do you remember what you said to me the day I met you
Like yesterday I still can hear your voice, you promised to be
Still in my life no matter what you had to do to be there
Well, it's been a while and here we are lookin' back on times that we shared
I still imagine us being young and so in love
Never apart, you were my heart
Seems like it's always just been us
Chorus:
I remember we were in the park
Holding hands and you said to me
I'm the only thing you need
And I would make your life complete
If I said I'd be your girl
You would stay with me forever
Boy, you never let me down
Through it all you're still around
Still around (yeah)
I still believe in all the things you said to me in those days
You gave me love and kept your word with every promise you made
I sing your favorite song inside my head when you're not with me
Until you come back home and take me in your arms and hold me
I can imagine us being old and still in love
Never apart, you are my heart
Makes me smile, we're still in love
I remember we were in the park
Holding hands and you said to me
I'm the only thing you need
And I would make your life complete
If I said I'd be your girl
You would stay with me forever
Boy, you never let me down
Through it all you're still around
Looking back through all the years
(Man speaking):
Heh
You remember the first time I went to your house
And your father looked at me like I had three heads
(And I will never forget the day)
Heh
We were so in love
(Looking back through all the years)
You were so beautiful and so young
(And I will never forget the day you came into my life and what you said to me)
I can't believe you're still mine
That's crazy
I love you
I remember we were in the park (we were in the park)
Holding hands and you said to me (holding hands)
I'm the only thing you need
And I would make your life complete (and I would your life complete)
If I said I'd be your girl
You would stay with me forever (I'm still your girl)
Boy, you never let me down
Through it all you're still around (I'll never let you down, my baby)
I remember we were in the park
Holding hands and you said to me
I'm the only thing you need
And I would make your life complete
If I said I'd be your girl (said I'd be your girl and)
You would stay with me forever
Boy, you never let me down
Through it all you're still around
Still around (yeah)
song performed by by Jennifer Lopez
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Minister
Played too hard and he died too young
To be certain of earning his [burnt out/word of? ] love
He won a place in history
And his name will live eternally
Lived the life of a movie star
And he waved to the people from a big black car
Down in a book with the greatest names
As a lonely maid cried take [in/the? ] pain
Tell me a story minister
There aint no time left to lose
Ten man tried in the dead of night
? ? ? the great mans final words to right
In a room that was soft and red
The great man spoke outside my head
Tell me a story minister
There aint no time left to lose
song performed by by Electric Light Orchestra
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Future, Future Before and Future From The Future: Journey:
O'er the hills,
hills on land,
o'er the land,
land on water,
o'er the water.
water on land,
land on water again.
And again, again...
And so it goes,
to infinity, i see.
: deep thinkers discern:
travelling in the soul,
i went,
muscle stonger than ever,
flying high into SEVENTH HEAVEN,
soaring like the eagle,
with mystery more than,
MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME,
but in the body im weak.
Here i lie,
thinking of,
great things.
Was i a weak soul?
Gently in my couch,
i rest,
viewing the infinity,
FUTURE! !
I looked o'er the future,
over the infinity,
i passed hills,
savannas
oceans,
then future.
But in soul not in body.
Was i the weak soul?
I saw what future awaits,
the poor soul.
Who has been living in future,
before time.
Now its the time,
he's doomed.
All things upside down.
I saw eyes red,
than the RED PARIS WINE.
I saw his eyes soured with tears,
tears to infinity.
Thoughts of great things,
keep flying all over his
working brain.
keeps being optimistic,
to lift of the heavy weight,
smiles so people,
not discern the truth,
OH HE'S BEEN GOING THROUGH,
HELL SINCE! !
People might say''he thinks''
But now is the future,
He has got a DEAD LIFE,
no light in him a again,
all is darkness.
Are you the thief,
that stole his dreams?
Oh! his precious dreams are gone,
the PRINCE OF SEVEN SEAS,
went for it,
but failed the mission.
Who can help the poor soul?
His dreams has being stolen,
i needa help him restore it,
maybe before the future
Was i a poor soul?
ive also got dreams,
to make true.
Here i am thinking of,
helping another soul.
I tapped him gently,
but he'll never say a thing.
He is in melancholy.
I sat down gently beside him,
saying words of comfort,
to the man who needs help?
Here i am,
i also need help,
but no one to pacify me.
I go on saying,
all spirit directs me.
Spirit being in my soul.
Gentle breeze serves the message,
right.
As it we sat down,
i heard the breeze,
whistling all i said,
into his glued ear.
He suddenly changed,
mood.
Looked at me with suprise,
told me he's going back.
To where?
OH MY!
Whats he saying?
TO WHERE HE BELONGS?
That wrecked life,
this future suits our life.
We can think of a car,
and we see it,
house and we see,
but,
not in reality,
the FUTURE FROM THE FUTURE.
He told me,
he wants to make things right,
he's going on a travel,
from the LAND OF DREAMS,
we are,
the FUTURE.
to the FUTURE FROM THE FUTURE.
That land of no hope?
Message,
: sobs:
i want to stay here,
i like it here,
dont want to get weak again,
back there.
Message
: rethinks:
Good gracious!
Ive just convinced a man,
who lives in future,
he'll be packing his loads,
to where he belongs.
HE'LL HAVE FAITH,
WHERE NO HOPE,
THERE'S STILL HOPE.
then he comes back at appointed,
time.
IN FULLEST GLORY.
I dont want to live,
my cars here and go back.
My estate,
cars.
I cant pack them along,
i'll stay here.
Future before future,
: Knocks:
Its me Belinda,
your new neighbour.
: Jerks:
: yawns:
: Quick thought:
and ive got beautiful houses,
built in the land FUTURE,
fine cars in the garage,
now here is a new neighbour,
i have here.
Im going to share,
this apartment again.
Someday i'll migrate fully,
TO THE FUTURE.
After i make thinks right,
by hardwork and love.
I'll laugh last
: knocks:
anybody home?
: Answer:
im sorry, im coming just stressed up from the journey i had.im on my way.
: thinks:
WHICH JOURNEY WAS I,
EVEN SAYING?
JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE.
poem by Shalomj THE MESSAGE
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Great Chicago Fire
The great Chicago Fire, friends,
Will never be forgot;
In the history of Chicago
It will remain a darken spot.
It was a dreadful horrid sight
To see that City in flames;
But no human aid could save it,
For all skill was tried in vain.
In the year of 1871,
In October on the 8th,
The people in that City, then
Was full of life, and great.
Less than four days it lay in ruins,
That garden City, so great
Lay smouldering in ashes,
In a sad and pitiful state.
It was a sad, sad scene indeed,
To see the fire arise,
And hear the crackling of the flames
As it almost reached the skies,
And sadder still, to hear the moans,
Of people in the flames
Cry for help, and none could get,
Ah, die where they remained.
To see the people run for life;
Up and down the blazing streets,
To find then, their escape cut off
By the fiery flaming sheets,
And others hunting for some friend
That perhaps they never found,
Such weeping, wailing, never was known,
For a thousands miles around.
Some people were very wealthy
On the morning of the 10th.
But at the close of the evening,
Was poor, but felt content,
Glad to escape from harm with life
With friends they loved so well,
Some will try to gain more wisdom,
By the sad sight they beheld.
Five thousand people were homeless,
Sad wanderers in the streets,
With no shelter to cover them,
And no food had they to eat.
They wandered down by the lake side,
Lay down on the cold damp ground,
So tired and weary and homeless,
So the rich, the poor, was found.
Mothers with dear little infants,
Some clinging to the breast.
People of every description
All laid down there to rest,
With the sky as their covering,
Ah, pillows they had none.
Sad, oh sad, it must have been,
For those poor homeless ones.
Neighboring Cities sent comfort,
To the poor lone helpless ones,
And God will not forget them
In all the years to come.
Now the City of Chicago
Is built up anew once more,
And may it never be visited
With such a great fire no more.
poem by Julia A Moore
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Writ On The Eve Of My 32nd Birthday
a slow thoughtful spontaneous poem
I am 32 years old
and finally I look my age, if not more.
Is it a good face what’s no more a boy’s face?
It seems fatter. And my hair,
it’s stopped being curly. Is my nose big?
The lips are the same.
And the eyes, ah the eyes get better all the time.
32 and no wife, no baby; no baby hurts,
but there’s lots of time.
I don’t act silly any more.
And because of it I have to hear from so-called friends:
“You’ve changed. You used to be so crazy so great.”
They are not comfortable with me when I’m serious.
Let them go to the Radio City Music Hall.
32; saw all of Europe, met millions of people;
was great for some, terrible for others.
I remember my 31st year when I cried:
“To think I may have to go another 31 years!”
I don’t feel that way this birthday.
I feel I want to be wise with white hair in a tall library
in a deep chair by a fireplace.
Another year in which I stole nothing.
8 years now and haven’t stole a thing!
I stopped stealing!
But I still lie at times,
and still am shameless yet ashamed when it comes
to asking for money.
32 years old and four hard real funny sad bad wonderful
books of poetry
—the world owes me a million dollars.
I think I had a pretty weird 32 years.
And it weren’t up to me, none of it.
No choice of two roads; if there were,
I don’t doubt I’d have chosen both.
I like to think chance had it I play the bell.
The clue, perhaps, is in my unabashed declaration:
“I’m good example there’s such a thing as called soul.”
I love poetry because it makes me love
and presents me life.
And of all the fires that die in me,
there’s one burns like the sun;
it might not make day my personal life,
my association with people,
or my behavior toward society,
but it does tell me my soul has a shadow.
poem by Gregory Corso
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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How My Cousin Wished To Have A White Friend, The American
my cousin had once a wish, to befriend an american
the white great man who once fought with his grandfather
during the last 2nd world war
in Bataan
they were together in their defeat
on that Long Black Death March
and they miraculously survived
and during their veterans' memory programs
they always have time together
little drinks, nostalgic conversations and then a hug a farewell
matching tears and trembling lips
of old useless men
but that was long time ago
times i guess have changed due to climactic errors
global warming
and well
crude, rude, city life that changed gentleness to
aloofness,
and when my cousin worked as a nurse in chicago
lonely as he was, and so alienated and yes
discriminated
he changed his views of the white man
no longer that christ-the-saviour thing really
but that 'get lost' monster that throws him glasses on his head
and if it were not for his escaping instincts he would have been dead
on arrival in the Philippines,
well, i cannot blame him, indeed the times have changed,
whites hate browns and looks down on them,
the browns too, retaliate and sometimes wish to poison the white man
and kill him on his bed with an overdose of his antidepressant drugs
or simply leave the white man with his own business as he falls
to the floor from his bed, with no one to help him, and i remember what my cousin said,
he is the brown man telling the white man
' white man, summon all your green money to help you stand,
i am leaving! '
he left, really, he left the old man asking for his help,
less the curse and the insult
actualy, i like how that story ended.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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We Were Very Young In Those Days
We were very young in those days
and refused to be set in our ways.
We both got on well from the outset
and were in our teens when we first met.
Love smote me as you caught my attention
and to go out with you was my intention.
Love took longer to have its way in you
but in time it worked in your heart too.
We worked very well with one another
a source of inspiration for each other.
Built up each others faith in the Lord
as we grew much closer together in God.
I saw a young couple in the park one day
flying a model plane in loves sweet way.
I was struck by the way they were declaring
their love to each other by this act of sharing.
I thought as I looked how good it must be
these simple mundane things in life are free.
When you have someone to share in the fun
they can be enjoyed just as they had done.
Then I was sent on an Outward Bound trip
and spent time reflecting upon our relationship.
Time thinking of the important things in life -
what the future might bring and about a wife.
We wrote letters and kept in touch that way
tentatively searching for some little give away.
Hoping that there was a chance for love to start
wishing to express the feelings of our heart.
Much was hidden between the written lines
as we searched each word for loves first signs.
Coded messages in tilted stamps were said
as many times each of the letters were read.
Too shy and not wanting to be revealed
love lay hidden between the lines concealed.
The signs were there to our searching eye
as new letters were sent and time went by.
Those letters were the beginning of our love
a relationship coming from heaven above.
A love which the Lord has greatly blessed
one which blossomed and withstood each test.
You came to collect me when I came back.
The course was over and my life back on track.
Shyly we greeted each other at the station
disguising our feelings of great anticipation.
This was the start of our loving partnership
and we worked hard building our relationship.
As side by we strived to serve the Lord
in the church and Young Peoples Club for God.
Then to the North on holiday we went one year
had some great times with your cousins there.
At Holy Island we got trapped on the way back
and had to be rescued from the seas attack.
When only half way along the causeway there
the sea was coming in fast to our despair.
Along came an ice cream van to our great relief
to rescue and save us from perilous grief.
In Newcastle's Jesmond Dene as we walked
we paused by the rocky water fall and talked.
I declared my love to you in typical Allen way
and forgot to ask you to marry me that day.
I muffed it because I had forgotten my dear
those important words you wished to hear.
'Will you marry me' I should have said
'lets get engaged my love' I said instead.
We became engaged on your 19th birthday
and the next step was to plan our wedding day.
The 29th July 1967 was the date that we set
a day almost 40 years ago I'll never forget.
The church family came along to celebrate
and joined us making the day really great.
'We rest in Thee' to 'Finlandia' we sang
as our song of love to the heavens rang.
Many tests and trials have come as they do
but together we've worked them through.
What a great partnership we have in God
as we walk through life with the Lord.
That lovely young girl of many years ago
who caused my heart with love to glow.
As this new stage in our life we both start
still remains the great love of my heart.
Getting old together with you my lovely lass
will be like sharing the youth of our past.
The memories we share are to be treasured
as we continue to walk on with the Lord.
What the future has in mind we do not know
passing through life in linear time as we do.
But our life is secure in the hands the Lord
as together we walk into the future with God.
This earthly life we live is but a shadow
of the wonderful life we shall then know.
When one day when we shall both stand
in the presence of God in that heavenly land.
The Dying Ex Football Champion
Around his bed his friends and family but of them he's not aware
His life's journey about to end old Joe the ex footballer player
On his back his eyes closed to his surroundings the life from him ebbing away
Last month he celebrated his eightieth birthday and today his life's final day.
Pre-deceased by his wife Mel she died five years ago
The last two years of his life's journey for him painful and slow
Most of those he played with and against in his football years to the Reaper long gone
But like the battler that he is to the end he's battling on.
Fifty five years ago the Captain of the great Premiership team
By football fans from near and far he was held in high esteem
But time takes care of everyone and everyone means all
And time has also taken toll of the champion of football.
Around his bed his friends and family a silent vigil keep
The end of his life's journey no more than an hour away he is in his final sleep
'Tis a fact those who love life do find it hard to die
But 'tis also a fact that all human beings are mortals and facts do never lie.
poem by Francis Duggan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Seeing Things
I find it hard to shed a tear
You brought it all on yourself my dear
Wrong, yes I may be
Dont leave a light on for me
cause I aint comin home
It hurts me baby to be alone
Yes, it hurts me baby
A hundred years will never ease
Hearing things I wont believe
I saw it with my own two eyes
All the pain that I cant hide
And this pain starts in my heart
And this love tears us apart
You wont find me bent down on my knees
Aint bendin over backwards baby
Not to please
cause Im seeing things for the first time
Im seeing things for the first time, oh yeah
Im seeing things for the first time
In my life, in my life
I used to dream
Of better days that never came
Sorry aint nothin to me
Im gone and thats the way it must be
So please Ive done my time
Lovin you is such a crime
You wont fine me down on, on my knees
Wont fine me over backwards baby
Just to please
cause Im seeing things for the first time
Im seeing things for the first time
Seeing things for the first time
Oh Im seeing things for the first time
Yeah, seeing things for the first time
Im seeing things for the first time
Yeah, Im seeing things for the first time
In my life, in my life
song performed by by Black Crowes
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Bud Tingwell
Bud Tingwell he did have a lengthy life span
And he was a good actor and quite a good man
A famous Australian who was known Worldwide
One could only feel sad to hear that he had died
In his life so many friends the great man made
And widespread respect to him in his passing deservedly paid
A great mentor to aspiring young actors in his long acting career
To so many film buffs himself he did endear
At living a good life one who did succeed
One by good example who always did lead
A man who has been honoured in story and rhyme
His name will live on through the annals of time
For him his separation from life was a painful release
Bud Tingwell the great man may he rest in peace
poem by Francis Duggan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Mother, O Mother
Mother O Mother, You Are Great
Mother O Mother you are great,
All the problems solve in any state,
Still we find there is no hate,
Each and everyone you make your mate,
Love is in your heart, your work is very smart,
All your whole life you carry the home-cart,
In your job there is no wait,
Mother, O Mother you are great.
Working all the time,
To make our things fine,
Guiding always to be far from crime,
In your work there is no late,
Mother O Mother you are great,
Caring for us, praying for us,
Struggling for us, standing for us,
With your efforts, make our bright fate,
Mother O Mother you are great,
You are my lord, you are my God,
In your service there is no fraud,
With your blessings, life is always set,
Mother O Mother you are great.
poem by Prakash Joshi
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Monkey Man
Great monkey man has gone the distance,
The lucky ones going to get it.
Loving life now,
Living on top of.
Lucky ones always get it all.
Oh, Im hungry,
Dont wanna die like a little dog.
Gonna take what I can get,
Im the monkey man,
With the great, great monkey plan.
Its crazy, crazy, little man,
Youve got yourself entangled.
Oh, love to lie to myself,
To say everything is fine now.
We got to keep it up,
Or fall behind.
I got to keep it up,
Or lose the edge we found faster.
Ill build higher, still higher,
I dig deeper down,
Til its down in the ground.
Its found, used up and then thrown out.
Crazy, crazy little man,
What do you think youre doing here?
Big, beautiful world just for us,
Good use we must put it to.
Any way I can think to use it up,
What will I tell my grandsons grandsons?
I could weave a fairy tale,
On a great bible-thumping scale.
When he stands empy hands,
On his empty land,
Thats what happened here.
Great, great monkey man.
Where did you think grey was the color of this?
You think I dont know quite what to say?
But Im worried for myself in this.
Im hungry,
Dont wanna die like a little dog.
Well, I eat what I can get,
From the monkey man.
Great, great monkey man.
Great, great monkey plan.
Crazy,crazy man,
You get yourself turned in a pickle.
Crazy, crazy monkey man,
Who is the one in the middle?
Take a walk,
Cross the ice,
Melts too quickly for us to reach the other side.
Its cold in here,
But the sun shines bright.
Oh, it warms this up well,
Oh, the tide is rising higher.
Look, its strange,
Floating by.
Looks just like the ones,
That flow out and ride, oh, I will.
Golden age,
These golden times,
Our golden days seem to have us,
Hypnotized or blind, well.
song performed by by Dave Matthews Band
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Prayer Changes
Somebody just look back over your life and
See where he brought you from
How many of you know?
Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things
Now I was in a real bad abusive relationship
Knowing that that was no way for me to live
A young girl like me, raised up in a good family
Way too young to endure such misery
And every night I cry myself to sleep from all the pain
And the more I prayed for sunny days it seemed to rain
(He'd hit me) at any given time
(He'd hit me) no reason at all
(He'd hit me) so, so hard
(He'd hit me) my God, sometimes I'd fall
Mama asked what happened to me
And I'd take up for him
She said the devil's a liar
And prayed God get rid of him
And now I'm going to school
Hitting those books I'm doing fine
He's out my life I'm not confused
Got peace of mind man I tell you
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (oh it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a witness)
Prayer changes things (said I know)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness)
Prayer changes things
I was a freshman in college and uh...
I had just made it on the basketball team (yeah)
I had all the skills it took to make it
But on my grades I would get nothing but all D's (whoa-ah)
And the coach came to me
And had a talk with me about my career
Said if you don't get your grades up
I'm gonna have to sit you down this year
Man as tough as I was I'd break down and cried
'Cause everybody knows me
Knows that basketball is my life
(Algebra) I studied hard
(Chemistry) I gave my all
(Calculus) oh my God
(English) so many flaws
Playing ball didn't look to good for me (yeah)
My future, could not see (ooh)
I had lost all my beliefs (uh-huh)
And gave up on all my dreams (ooh yeah)
Then I went to church on Sunday (ooh-ooh)
And the pastor began to preach (yeah)
It was like he was talking to me (ohh)
When he said I can do all things (whoo-hoo)
In Christ that strengthens me (ooh-whoo)
And for me that was enough (ohh)
Now that I went from a D
All the way to an A plus
I tell you prayer changes things
Prayer changes
Prayer changes (prayer)
Prayer changes (it changes things, yeah)
Prayer changes things (ohh)
Prayer changes (said it changes things)
Prayer changes
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness that)
Prayer changes things
Me and my wife (yeah) had a few problems
We thought that nothing could solve 'em
Listening to family members (whoa) and so called friends
Man I tell you that's just how the devil creeps in (oh yes it is)
We were separated at least for a month or two (mmm-hmm)
She was wilding in the clubs
And I was out there doing wrong too (whoa-oh)
And we would walk around the house (yeah)
Putting each other down (yeah)
I mean right in front of the kids (yeah)
We would curse each other out (mmm)
Then I was in a bad accident (yeah)
And almost lost my life (yeah)
And guess who was there for me...
My wife
Now ain't it funny how He makes a way (yeah)
When we said there was no way (yeah)
I'm out the hospital and back at home
Planning another wedding day, I tell you
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (things, I'm a witness that)
Prayer changes (change)
Prayer changes (prayer)
Prayer changes (changes)
Prayer changes things
Now all of these things were happening in one family (yeah)
But that's okay, cause there's nothing God can't achieve (mmm-hmm)
I don't care what the problem in your life may be
'Cause who the Son sets free, is free indeed (oh)
And if you didn't know, now you should know (yeah, what)
All you have to do is take this family life for example
Now Mum and Dad are married again
Like four kids now, 'cause they just had twins (thank you)
Little sister all grown up now (yeah)
She's a lawyer, married with one child now
Two years, big brother's out of college (thank you)
And man he's got his hands full (hallelujah)
Blessed with skills, blessed with knowledge (hey)
Now he's playing for the Chicago Bulls
Prayer changes (Im a witness)
Prayer changes (prayer changes yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (whoa when it looks like)
Prayer changes (you can't make it at all)
Prayer changes (I know that prayer)
Prayer changes (changes things)
Prayer changes things (changes things)
Prayer changes (in the middle of the storm) (oh yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer will calm) (yeah)
Prayer changes ('cause it changes things)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes) (yes it does)
Prayer changes (prayer changes) (mmm)
Prayer changes (prayer changes things)
Prayer changes things (whoa)
Prayer changes (even if you're doing wrong) (yeah)
Prayer changes (or your money's gone) (oh)
Prayer changes (if you're put out your home)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (if you can't find a friend) (a friend)
Prayer changes (at your journey's end) (oh)
Prayer changes (seems you just can't win)
Prayer changes things (whoa)
Prayer changes (you're really going through) (hey)
Prayer changes (and trouble's chasing you) (hey-hey)
Prayer changes (Heaven's got a hold on you)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (when it seems you can't go on) (ohh)
Prayer changes (and all your strength is gone) (yeah)
Prayer changes (hold on it wont be long) (whoa)
Prayer changes things (I know prayer is gonna change)
Prayer changes (drinking or doing drugs) (hey)
Prayer changes (even if you're running the streets) (hey-hey)
Prayer changes (if in the music field)
Prayer changes things (rock, pop or R&B) (hey)
Prayer changes (prayer will change it) (hey)
Prayer changes (prayer will change it) (hey)
Prayer changes (prayer will change it) (yes it will)
Prayer changes things (prayer will change it) (hey)
Prayer changes (said I'm a living witness that) (prayer will)
Prayer changes (prayer will change it) (yes it will)
Prayer changes (it don't matter what)
Prayer changes things (you're going through)
song performed by by R. Kelly
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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