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Under the Overpass
| Open Poetry #5 |
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Under the Overpass |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion 
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Under The Overpass Immaculate rows of ivory bungalows nestled on a quaint and winding lane, juxtaposed to an ugly addition, gray background to taut turf. Shadow castle streams a steady drone, invisible gasses poison bay breezes, neighbors wave to one another, figure eight dance of the push mower. Under the overpass they live, constant combat of the cast-out. A man sets up shop at rush hour, on the median he rests on a cane, cardboard sign and green fatigues. Drivers trapped there look anywhere but into the Vet's hard blue stare. Tiny frosted holiday lights display white cyclamens, isn’t it nice! Pair of shoes tied together dangles from telephone wires, street signal for “drugs sold here.” Angry citizenry post their riposte, “Drug Free Zone.” One night, a gun fight, Drug pusher “A” killed drug pusher “B.” In thick terry robes, carrying lamps Ritual revelries held over a corpse. House values soared for a time, Along with white hopes, old cars replaced by “beemers.” Until one day a pair of shoes appeared, the cycle of urban, suburban war. © 1999 Corinne Bailey |
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| © Copyright 2000 Corinne - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Excellent poem, Corinne. I guess this describes any city...but it sure sounds like mine. (I didn't know that those shoes meant that,though) We have a town watch group and about 5 years ago some of us neighbors brought up the house on our block that was obviously a drug house (selling drugs right out the front window) asking for help, suggestions... they suggested that we knock on their door and tell them we don't like what they are doing....yeah right...that would work! After severeal busts and arrests they always came back. What finally forced them to go was the Electric Co. turning off their electric. Too bad someone didn't think of that long ago...but then that only solved the problem for my block. They are, I'm sure, the scourge of another one now. Complicated social issues...don't know if anyone will ever be able to solve the problems. Again, Corinne, wonderful piece about the problems facing modern day society. Denise |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Thank you, Denise! Wrote this about the city of Berkeley, where I work. I am always struck by the contrasts of this city. Berkeley is infamous for horrific traffic, so I was looking for a shortcut to the freeway, when I stumbled on this cute little block of houses, very well cared for. Then, I saw the overpass above the end of the block and as I approached, saw the shoes and the homeless people living beneath it. Kind of blew my mind, and I pictured the never ending battle of the people on this street trying to keep their lives safe and houses nice while right down the street, homeless people were stuggling to survive, and drug trafficing was obvious. I also read an article about how one neighborhood took back their street after a drug dealer was killed by another drug dealer, and they fixed up the "crack house" he had lived in and sold it for a 1/4 of a million dollars. Difficult and contraversial subjects: the right to live in a safe place vs the rights of homelessness (and the criminals that take advantage of everyone). Thanks again, and Happy New Year, Denise! Corinne |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Thanks, Corinne, I wish you and yours the same!  Denise |
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Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
Wow I jsut dont even know what to say ~*~ Hell is not a place of fire and a devil with a tail and horns. But a place of torment because the light of God is gone. To escape this, accept the blood of Jesus Christ! ~*~ |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wow, to think I almost missed this one. Great imagery in here, I loved it |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Thank you very much, hoot_owl_m! Corinne |
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whiskey
since 1999-12-28
Posts 1278Australia |
Wonderful, great imagery |
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Fred Hobbs Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329Tallahassee, Florida, US |
Great urban documentary set to poetry Corrine. You've done a wonderful job of combining social commentary with powerful verse. |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
Great piece Corinne! I used to live in San Pablo a few years back and remember all too well the shoe signals. I got out dodging bullets during a drug war. It was pretty intense and a lot of kids were getting caught in the crossfire. You decribe it so perfectly. Back then Berkeley wasn't so bad but I guess things change.  Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream. Shawna R. Holder Boise, Idaho |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Great work and insightful portrayal of the contrast and conflicts taking place in our cities. |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Powerful piece with excellent imagery... Wonderful writing here Corinne... A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! Shannon |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Corrinne This was a very thought-provoking poem. At first I wasn't sure where it was going, but then the imagery kicked in and I could feel the desperation of each group of protagonists (geesh, I hope Nan doesn't read this!). At first it appears that the Beemers have it made, but then it becomes clear that each group is really just trying to get by. You wrote this so very well. I can almost feel the desperation. |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Thank you so much for your comments! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this group is a very supportive and nuturing environment within which writers may grow. Thanks again! Corinne |
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