I followed some links to a writing blog that I enjoyed. The most recent entry had, among other prompts, the suggestion to write a poem ending in the word “connect”. Somehow that resonated with me, so I wrote this poem: (untitled)
I just found this blog, and though I find
the content different than I would expect
I gratefully accept the challenge to
write something ending in the word connect.
I don’t know if my wandering mind
will make a poem fine, without defect,
but still enjoy the challenge put me, to
write something ending in the word connect.
and if you, please, will not spank my behind
I’ll share my poem, if it be correct
to speak of what I write to such as you
that otherwise would not think to connect
with such as me, a poet who would grind
out words however badly they affect
my standing in your eyes, still I must do
whatever I can, trying to connect. 1 month ago
Hope is a Bumpy Road
Seagulls rise in a cloud of white
over barefoot kids today
in a garbage dump which is their home
where they sleep, and eat, and play.
A bare dirt floor in a cardboard shack
is the comfort each enjoys
and this is where their lives may end
this young girl and two boys.
But Hope is a road pockmarked with pits*
that leads to a local school
where they may learn things that set them free
to a future that isn’t so cruel.
The children need books and uniforms
and to us it is such a small fee.
They could go to school an entire year
for the cost of a cheap TV.
They could be fed hot and nourishing lunches
to help their young minds to grow.
They could walk every day down that road called Hope
if we only help them go.
Will it be one child we are able to help?
Or two? Or maybe all three?
Down the dusty and bumpy road called Hope…
which one would you choose to set free?
The seagulls rise in a cloud of white
and the children scramble below.
Will the American Lady return this year
with the news that they can go?
*Hope Road is the name of the actual road outside the dump, and it is difficult to drive because of all the potholes and dust.17 months ago
I was inspired by the YouTuber GrapplingIgnorance and his villanelle “They Say”.
Mine isn’t political or thought-provoking. But I thought it might be a nice poem anyway.
Give Me
Give me a love without regret or fear
Enfold my dreams and wake with me each dawn
Till Heaven’s shining threshold draws us near
The rope we climb is thin – the cliff is sheer
But hope renews our strength to struggle on
Give me a love without regret or fear
The cost may seem at times to be too dear
The tender ache of dreams that now are gone
Till Heaven’s shining threshold draws us near
Defy the fruitless pain of yesteryear
when spring could not protect a tender fawn
Give me a love without regret or fear
Although the need to love may be so queer
It pulls us forward – naked, pale, and wan -
Till Heaven’s shining threshold draws us near
And on the day when that love shall appear
Relaxing on that great celestial lawn
I’ll take my love without regret or fear
Till Heaven’s shining threshold draws us near 23 months ago
