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Open Poetry #37
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Strawberry Flats
| Open Poetry #37 |
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Strawberry Flats |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
She is an old woman, hunched over, huddled in an old coat, its faded blue reveals the threadbare material -- she shivers in the cold wind and seeks shelter deeper in her lean-to among the strawberry flats displayed for sale. Why is she there? Do I have the right to wonder, even? Perhaps she must be, to support herself, too old to move through the muddy fields or withstand the whipping rains and winds along with her family recently arrived. Perhaps she hopes to redeem her last times bringing some added coins to the treasury before her years stop falling as dominos. upon the board of life. If nature cares not for old or young, I think that maybe society certainly should -- and if it cannot for whatever unclear reason then surely “God the Responsible” must? But the old woman in the strawberry shack with four poles to hold the roof and no walls, tells the story accurately - no blandishments in the emaciated lined face that looks up at me -- or the lines around the mouth that attempt to put forth the necessary smile. She troubles me, this old woman from a world I will never know who came here looking for a better life; who now must shiver in the unfamiliar cold; dependent upon the bounty of strangers whose language she cannot understand. I'm troubled, not because of her, particularly, but because she is one of millions sitting thus by highways promising better things while the world rushes by deaf to her sighs and blind to her losses, bruises and wounds. She troubles me, this old woman in faded blue because she need not be there, begging, drenched by the cold mist of plenty expelled into her lungs by a thousand exhaust pipes of happy campers on a Friday afternoon. But why do I care? I think to myself -- what makes me want to engage this drama within my heart and mind? Then the child in me speaks the word I no longer dare speak to those whom I would call my equals: "No!" |
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| © Copyright 2006 Sharran WindWalker - All Rights Reserved | |||
Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
It is sad when I see scenes such as this. Sad because of the reality and also sad because of those who tarnish those who are real by their facade that is used to gain what is not needed...only desired. |
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fmlbarebackrider2001 Member
since 2005-11-16
Posts 138West Texas, United States |
Growing up not to far from the indian reservations it makes my heart sad to say that I have seen many older woman and families doing that very thing. You put into words what I have never been able to. Know yourself before you try to know someone else. |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
"I'm troubled, not because of her, particularly, but because she is one of millions sitting thus by highways promising better things while the world rushes by deaf to her sighs and blind to her losses, bruises and wounds. " WindWalker I love the way you speak to the ills of the world and the pain of mankind. Well said. Thank you. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Chillingly powerful sensitive write, WW. I too, cry 'No' and am deeply troubled by such realities, and ponder this same thought: quote: |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
I enjoyed your writing immensely, and knowing that there are more compassionate people like yourself makes me feel a little easier about this place we live. I like this piece very much. miscellanea |
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cody 2 Junior Member
since 2006-03-12
Posts 48london |
I really like this because its real and that's sad. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I am reminded of a scene, art imitating reality: that those who are in such like as your lady in Strawberry Flats are there because that is where they choose to be. While we can, and oft times do equate their life with "plight" and oftentimes that is most apropos; still, we engage ourselves to believe that they are there for reasons beyond our understanding... and that is correct. Until we engage them in discussion, we can only assume. This sounds harsh, and not like me, but recently I've been acquainted with a truth; even though known to me far before now, still, the way a light was shone on another matter, causes me to ask... do we know why she was there? My compassion is never-ending, it seems, but still, I find in this write, a need to question the subject. If I err in my assumptions of your poem, it is because you indeed, made me think. As a good poet, does, with any reader. So thank you for allowing me my thought, whether or not it portends to respond correctly to the topic and theme. In this, Sir, you raised a question, and to that question, I salute your abilities as a poet. Thank you. |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
"Perhaps she hopes to redeem her last times bringing some added coins to the treasury before her years stop falling as dominos. upon the board of life. " Brought me to tears. TD |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
I would like to thank all of you for your comments. And thank you Sunshine, I appreciate what you had to say, you made some valid points. |
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