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Open Poetry #13
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Joe Houck
Member
since 2001-04-23
Posts 324
california

0 posted 2001-04-25 02:44 AM



Free Will


Walkin’ down the dirt driveway
The frigid dim sun falls behind the endless corn fields
The once vivid skies fade as I walk back with the mail,
nothin' but bills.
The dog cries from the oak tree to let her loose to play
Better not though, father will be home soon

Walkin’ up to the porch
I give grandma a Kiss on her forehead,
Her once vivid face now aimlessly stares in the distance,
No response.
The phone cries from the kitchen for an answer,
I ignore the cries, I have no answers

Walkin’ into acceptance
Drowning in the wakes of others mistakes
shackled to the shadows that follow me
Trapped.
Within this vicious cycle, unable to break free
Constantly reminded, by my family

Walkin’ away from optimism
becoming the next of yet another failure
My soul, once filled with hope, now replenished with despair
And I don’t care.


By: Joe Houck


© Copyright 2001 Joe B. Houck - All Rights Reserved
Joe Houck
Member
since 2001-04-23
Posts 324
california
1 posted 2001-04-25 03:12 AM


    This poem is about a man who walks away from hope and optimism.  There is no fate.  There is always choice.  If nothing else choice of attitude.
    “Man’s inner strength may raise him above his outward fate.” (Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, Jewish concentration camp survivor and writer of the novel "Man’s Search For Meaning." Which is a very powerful book.
    It is true that only a few people are capable of reaching such high moral standards. Are you one such person?  Can you rise above your outward fate?


Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
2 posted 2001-04-25 06:58 AM


Welcome to Passions, Joe - You've written a very insightful and introspective verse here. I'm looking forward to reading much more of your work.  Do settle in and make yourself comfy here... It's a grand place... and check your email for a special greeting...
Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

3 posted 2001-04-25 07:02 AM


welcome Joe...

I enjoyed this poem...you have a great command of the language - one part that stood out for me is:

The phone cries from the kitchen for an answer,
I ignore the cries, I have no answers


In answer to your question I'd have to say: Which set of moral standards are you talking about? After all..the only ones set in stone are the ten commandments...the world has many different views on morality...

Welcome to our home...and, like Nan, I'll be looking out for more of your work.

K


All obscurity starts with a danger:
Your dangers are many. I
Cannot look much but your form suffers
Some strange injury
Sylvia Plath


[This message has been edited by Severn (edited 04-25-2001).]

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
4 posted 2001-04-25 07:50 AM


JoeHouck~
Welcome to Passions family of friends and poets.

This is a home of many doors -
all are open and you are welcomed within.
Enjoy your stay.
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
5 posted 2001-04-25 08:27 AM


Welcome,
You've penned a very profound piece. I hope the man in the poem can regain his dreams. He continues to take care of grandma and that means a lot.
Melton

Joe Houck
Member
since 2001-04-23
Posts 324
california
6 posted 2001-04-25 04:43 PM


thank you all for making me feel so welcome here.  I really like this site.  I will post some more poetry soon and I'll be sure to read and reply to your poems as well =).
and thank you Nan for the email =)

*JOE*


Jamie
Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168
Blue Heaven
7 posted 2001-04-26 01:03 AM


much enjoyed Joe--- I like poems that you can  think about for a bit----
welcome to passions--- please post more
Jamie

There is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar.
byron

Krawdad
Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597

8 posted 2001-04-26 01:11 AM


Welcome Joe!
Looking forward to more like this!

Krawdad
/:-}==
=#===

Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
9 posted 2001-04-26 01:17 AM


Welcome Joe.  Heavy subject you tackled.  I too think that we are allowed to have choices and are not led by blind fate.  Unless we have a defect of health that cannot be corrected or some othe problem that is out of our hands.  Then what we have is a higher power.  Joyce
Joe Houck
Member
since 2001-04-23
Posts 324
california
10 posted 2001-04-26 02:45 AM


Joyce you hit the nail on the head....I agree with you totally.   Your health is just
about the only thing you lack choice in.  But even in sickness you can still posses
optimism. Although it is very hard to posses. Trust me I know.  I can be a very
pessimistic person at times.  awww well, no one's perfect. =)

*JOE*


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