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Open Poetry #44
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gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA

0 posted 2009-02-03 05:18 PM


Smoke for the first time
Rises from the chimneys
Of the rickety houses
In the neighborhood, and
That familiar, sweet smell
Of burning wood permeates
The chilly, gray air.

The boy knows he will be cold
Again, walking to school, a sprint
To the grocery store, or the solemn
March to the church on the hill,
But he is used to winter, bouts
Of hunger and cold, in multiple layers
Of raggedy clothes---just a way of life,
A shaping, reshaping, on the short road
To eternity . . .


© Copyright 2009 arthur chapman, jr - All Rights Reserved
gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
1 posted 2009-02-03 05:21 PM


I read a poem by a friend today, on the theme of winter and childhood; I wrote this in appreciation.

art

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
2 posted 2009-02-03 06:00 PM


Love this, Art. "bouts of hunger, cold and multiple layers of raggedy clothes." Been there, done that.
                                 Ida

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
3 posted 2009-02-03 06:41 PM


Art!!! ~ I've missed you! It is such a pleasure to be reading your poetry again! As per usual, you have drawn me into the 'world' of which you have so vividly written.

Whilst reading this fine poem, I became that boy and saw and felt what he experienced. Well done!

Giving you a warm, welcome-back pip hug,
Linda

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
4 posted 2009-02-03 07:33 PM


Thank you, Ida. We have indeed shared stories of childhood that have made us kindred friends.

art

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
5 posted 2009-02-03 07:37 PM


And it is swell to hear from you, Linda! It is good to be back home and, God willing, I intend to stay close, with a host of fine poets and friends.

My very best,

art

steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

6 posted 2009-02-03 09:21 PM


excellent write...love your inspiration for it...thank you for sharing
amusemi
Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262
A State of Disarray
7 posted 2009-02-03 11:27 PM


I could truly smell the smoke and feel the cold...well written.   kat
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
8 posted 2009-02-03 11:38 PM



Well written Art, it tells an age old story and makes us all realize how lucky we are to have what we have. A vivid picture in words. Thank you.

Lindsay

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