navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #16 » Common Ground
Open Poetry #16
Post A Reply Post New Topic Common Ground Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana

0 posted 2001-10-24 01:01 PM


As I stand at the end of the trail gazing to the east
I know I'm not alone.
The footprints of removal surround me, touching me
And their tears blend with my own.

I once looked unto hills formed by tiring buzzard wings
Before the earth even dried -
The land of the real people. I saw what was lost to them
On the trail where they cried.

I heard echoes of children's laughter whispered on the wind
From a time still carefree
My own heart pulsed with such hope and anticipation
For a future yet to be

But my dreams had no foundation and my belief in promises
Has been erased
And the trust they had for friendship and their faith in justice
Was severely misplaced.

For months and miles they stumbled on, freezing and mistreated,
Determined to survive
I tumbled into nothingness, breathing constant pain -
I'm surprised I am alive

They arrived in a strange new land where the needs of life
Left no time for grief or fear
I'm further from that woman I was this spring than the miles
Which stretch from there to here

I've no guilt at comparing my situation with theirs
I feel they'd understand
Sometimes life is more cruel than we could imagine
And things just don't go as we'd planned.

Looking back is something we need to remember the good
And avoid our mistakes
But step by step we must go on walking down life's path
No matter how our heart breaks.

For all that has gone before and the comfort I find now
I'm in the ancient's debt
Spirits, I can't right wrongs done in the past, but standing here
I vow I'll not forget.

September 2001


© Copyright 2001 suthern - All Rights Reserved
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
1 posted 2001-10-24 01:03 PM


This is such an emotive piece... really moving...

I am transfixed at this line:
I'm in the ancient's debt

Thanks for sharing,
Regards,
Sudhir

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

2 posted 2001-10-24 01:31 PM


We should all join them on that trail of tears Suthern.  Wonderful, enjoyed write.

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

(I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~Garth)

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
3 posted 2001-10-24 01:40 PM


The same path can be walked in so many ways...

Suthern girl, it warms this old heart to see your thoughts and words grace us again...and in such a poignant way..you have been missed  


jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
4 posted 2001-10-24 01:41 PM


Very, very well done look, my friend, at a subject near and dear to me, and I, as well as most I'm sure, agree with you one-hundred percent.

jwesley

Decaflame
Senior Member
since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635

5 posted 2001-10-24 01:43 PM



quote:
I'm in the ancient's debt
...
I vow I'll not forget.


touching all of the buttons, as only suthern winds can....

well done, and a Keeper!


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
6 posted 2001-10-24 01:47 PM


SuthernGal~
Knowing where this piece comes from moves me to tears of renewal~

There are spirits walking~

For all that has gone before and the comfort I find now
I'm in the ancient's debt
Spirits, I can't right wrongs done in the past, but standing here
I vow I'll not forget.


I thank you from my heart for this~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

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

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2001-10-24 02:47 PM


I heard echoes of children's laughter whispered on the wind
From a time still carefree
My own heart pulsed with such hope and anticipation
For a future yet to be

But my dreams had no foundation and my belief in promises
Has been erased
And the trust they had for friendship and their faith in justice
Was severely misplaced.
====================================

They arrived in a strange new land where the needs of life
Left no time for grief or fear
I'm further from that woman I was this spring than the miles
Which stretch from there to here

=====================================
Looking back is something we need to remember the good
And avoid our mistakes
But step by step we must go on walking down life's path
No matter how our heart breaks.

For all that has gone before and the comfort I find now
I'm in the ancient's debt
Spirits, I can't right wrongs done in the past, but standing here
I vow I'll not forget.
====================================

You already know I love this one ... and why...
we can not deny the whispers on the wind...
something flow deeper thru us than we can understand till we need it most.......
this one goes in my library...
excellent write poetess Ruth.




This distance has shown how the road remains alone
Now I'm looking in my life ... for a truth that is my own.

wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)
8 posted 2001-10-24 04:36 PM


I see we meet again. Thank you for always coming back o yuh nice write
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2001-10-24 04:43 PM


Sudhir: Thank YOU for reading and for your kind comments. *S*

Gentle Spirit: I'm so glad you enjoyed. *S* Thank you!

Balladeer: Yessir... and for those of us who stumble along the way, there's no better crutch than a friend. *S* I thank you for being mine (and for the case of warm fuzzies your sweet words and graphic gave me... smooch! *G*) You are so much appreciated!

jwesley: The approval of someone who holds the subject near and dear means much to me. *S* Thank you very much.

Decaflame: ROFL @ suthern winds... and the trouble I could get into on THAT bunny trail! LOL (Sorry, I absorb as well as admire the antics of Deer, Toe, and LJA *G*) Thank you so much, dear lady... you do honor me. *S*

Marge: Sweet lady, I thank YOU from the bottom of MY heart for nudging me into completing the journey so that I'd be where I needed to be when I needed to be there. *S* I've no doubt I was spirit led back into life... and that's a debt that can never be repaid, even if no other was owed. *S* I am theirs for as long as they need me.

Janet Marie: It would be hard to choose which has more beauty... the picture and poem you added or your comments... I thank you for all. *S*

walt: Meeting you is always a pleasure... I'm glad ya'll left the door open. *G* Thank you so much!!

[This message has been edited by suthern (edited 10-24-2001).]

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
10 posted 2001-10-25 12:17 PM


This is so true, suthern

"For all that has gone before and the comfort I find now
I'm in the ancient's debt
Spirits, I can't right wrongs done in the past, but standing here
I vow I'll not forget"

We can never walk far away from our trail of tears, nor should we try, for they are part of who we are.

jellybeans
Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298

11 posted 2001-10-25 02:20 PM


ah lady, I love every word of this, and it is so good to see it posted  ...you are a treasure...yep, a pretty perfect o&o  
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
12 posted 2001-10-26 03:19 PM


Midnitesun: They are, indeed... a reminder we survived, a promise that scars do heal. *S* Thank you so much for reading!

jellybeans: It takes one to know one?? *G* I could never have guessed what a gift I was getting when our friend made us o&o's... but I'm grateful for you every day, particularly over the last 7 months. *S* Thank you, danke schoen, gracias, merci, wa-do. *S*

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #16 » Common Ground

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary