Of Life’s Complexity
Inspired by The Poetry Of Tupac Shakur
Those who accept simplicity
have never walked on the same side
of the street as me.
They’ve never watched grown folks cry
when hopes and dreams slowly die.
They’ve never seen single mothers struggle
or heard their cries
around dinner time
when food is scarce and not enough
to feed hungry eyes.
They’ve never heard the knocks of homelessness
from those working two jobs
just to survive;
beaten down by life’s hardships,
no longer able to strive.
They’ve never felt poverty’s wrath
scattered through neglected streets
where tomorrow’s children play
with no funded playgrounds
and empty promises that end all feats
and they’ve never had to make strides
and leap over adversity
or come face to face with challenge
because those who accept simplicity
have not had to see life’s complexity.
© 2008
Tarringo T. Vaughan
I think I have read this before from you it tore my heart out then as well. Powerful truths from your mind to your pen my friend. Thank you for bringing this forward maybe others will become more aware od societies ills and how much we nedd to help one another.
Damn nation was stuttered each day
As weary steps turned white to gray.
Frail hearts tempered to steel
With each squeak of destiny’s wheel.
Abomination muttered those who would not stay
Passing the bell ringer that was falsely gay.
There’s a hole in the promised but empty bucket
For those who occupied life and lost the bet.
Abominable snowmen in tears of sleet
Pace in the sludge of their daily beat.
They are finishing an age of excess fast
Passing on their extinct souls at the last.
Obama’s Time Out by MistyRose ™ © 24 April 2012
Like the abominable snowman covered in white fur trudging through the snow is the image of people getting covered by a frosty chill snow and sleet.
Picture a homeless old woman so still and silent as the snow falls on her covering her and hiding her at the spot she occupies from view to the rest of the world.
Picture the Salvation Army bell ringer by a bucket stand begging for charity.
Picture the person rushing past who ignores, by passing by those in need.
Those poor have been hungry and fasting.
That preoccupied person has been living too fast to care .
Is the Abominable snowman extinct? When will hearts not grow cold and extinct?
What will pass on to the next leaders and generations?
This is the time of the Occupy movement as well as the Obama Presidency.
All I can say is wow! I love the verbiage and tone of your pieces…the subject though somber is handled quite nicely with tact and dignity. Bravo poets…enjoyed the read.