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Open Poetry #21
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Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan

0 posted 2002-08-05 06:45 PM


~Changing Places~





She stood there on the corner
disheveled and dirty, with matted hair
for everyone to see
she held her sign up in the air

"Broke and homeless...will work for food"



Would she change places with me?I wondered

In her view, I'd appear to have more than she'd need
a comfortable life with plenty to eat
no need for panhandling
in the streets

but would she change places with me?
I think not

for all that I have
every bit of my wealth
I live every moment
in fear for my health

and would I change places with her?
in a flash, yes I would

for I'd not be standing there
disheveled as she
I'd take any job, I'd scrimp and save
to keep my dignity

we all make choices
and I know mine
would not include a street corner
with a beggar's sign

If we try hard enough
we can find some wealth somewhere
but for health, when all else fails
we depend on prayer
~



Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

© Copyright 2002 Lyra Nesius - All Rights Reserved
Magnus
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since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
1 posted 2002-08-05 06:49 PM


A beautiful poem Lady C.  and trust in this
dear one, my prayers continue for you each
day....

Prayerful Hugs

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
2 posted 2002-08-05 07:09 PM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh Lyra, I know how you feel and my heart continues to go out to you, sweet friend, for the sake of my family and friends I would always prefer to try and cherish my health than be wealthy! (sigh) This is wonderful, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Lyra, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2002-08-05 07:19 PM


Like they say, you can't always judge a book
by it's cover Lyra.  Some of us are able to
put on a pretty good front.
Others like this woman, perhaps would work but do not know how or where to look.
Prayers still being said for you sweet poetess.
~Hugs~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

Sunshine
Administrator
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2002-08-05 07:25 PM



I don't know that I would change places with anyone.  Sometimes we think we would...but with it would go what we know, and our spirit, our knowledge, our family...

I do understand the point you are making, Lyra...so that is why I'm going to keep praying for a miracle, that you never again wish you were in anyone else's shoes...

and that you will live long and well in yours...

sending hugs...

Martie
Moderator
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
5 posted 2002-08-05 07:43 PM


Lyra

I once wrote a poem about my daughter's death where I wished that I was the mother of the child that lived, and not me.  But I know how little sense that makes now...as had I been another, I would not have had the wonderful years with her that I had.  

The spirit that is in you is what would prevent you from ever being that other woman...and what will keep your life full of love for as long as you have.  I hope and pray that will be many many years.


rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
6 posted 2002-08-05 09:36 PM


There is only one you...me..she. We are all a part of this thing..called life..and I'm glad you are.

Sincerely,
Reg

SimplyGold
Senior Member
since 2002-07-10
Posts 1453

7 posted 2002-08-05 09:46 PM


Oh Madame Chipmunk, how right you are.
I question every day the path I'm on and yet I worry about mundane things. With health no problem cannot be solved. I wish you renewed strength and good health. To me you are a rose in the garden of life, a treasure and your poetry a gift.

I feel so lucky to have crossed your path.

Electra

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
8 posted 2002-08-05 10:21 PM


Maybe it was the emotion of the phone conversation, but I've been sitting here sobbing since we hung up. Gosh it was so great to chat with you. You are even more special in person.

Hon, you may want to change places with someone, but as Martie said, you would never have had the joy of your sons, grandchildren or Monty and David.

Keep your chin up; don't ask 'why?' ~
ask 'how?'

I am here - Love and Hugs, Marti

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
9 posted 2002-08-05 11:26 PM


Barry...
thanks so much for your prayers...
I really take them to

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
10 posted 2002-08-05 11:27 PM


Noah...
You are so very dear and so sweet.  Thanks so much for your kind words
~ annoying chipmunk hugging you...watch out for sharp claws

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
11 posted 2002-08-05 11:31 PM


Nancy...
thanks so much for your reply.  Yes you are right about the woman...
I have always thought that about people who beg in the streets.  Many of them are either mentally ill or mentally incompetent and have no idea of how to go out and get a job to support themselves...and that is really the essence of the poem.
I would rather be anyone right now...
I'd rather have anyone else's problems but the ones that I do have...because I am so terribly frightened.  I know its terrible but I would trade my current situation for one in which I would be physically healthy for one in which I might be mentally ill or incompetent.  Life is full of sacrifices.
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
12 posted 2002-08-05 11:34 PM


Karilea...
Thanks so much for praying for me.  I really need that miracle now...and I can tell by your kind words, that you understand exactly how I am feeling....
thanks so much for that understanding.
~ hugs from a pesky rodent

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
13 posted 2002-08-05 11:37 PM


Martie...
You are so right.  Desperation and pain make us wish for some very strange things; and right now, I feel quite desperate...
thanks so much for your reply and for understanding.
~ hugs of rodent desperation

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
14 posted 2002-08-05 11:39 PM


Thanks so much for those very sweet words, Reg.
I'm glad you are too!
~ scared chipmunk hugs


Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

[This message has been edited by Madame Chipmunk (08-05-2002 11:41 PM).]

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
15 posted 2002-08-05 11:44 PM


Electra...
Thank you so much for those very wonderful words...
I too, am thankful that our paths have crossed.
And if there is one thing that I have learned lately....is that it doesn't matter how much or how little you have of material wealth...if you don't have your health, you might as well be out on the street corner...begging.
~ hugs from your chipmunk neighbor

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
16 posted 2002-08-05 11:49 PM


Marti...
I really enjoyed getting to know you via phone...and I love your Boston accent...
but, I'm sorry if I made you cry,  at least I hope that you cried tears of joy because I refuse to give up.

Keep your chin up; don't ask 'why?' ~
ask 'how?'

I just love that phrase and I am going to try to live by it.

Thanks so much for having so much confidence in me and also for all of your prayers.
~ hugs from Michigan Superchip with the NY accent.  

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
17 posted 2002-08-06 09:29 AM


Lyra,
live long and prosper...in your own skin.
Keth

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Interloper
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since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
18 posted 2002-08-06 09:32 AM


Amen

Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
19 posted 2002-08-06 09:47 AM



Madame C...I was so glad to know that you heard what I did not say...because there have been times where I have felt like this, and then...there were those "other times"...

hugging you Very Tight!

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
20 posted 2002-08-06 10:02 AM


ms chip, this is glamour in your hands
art in photo realistic shutter stutter
much enjoyed the capture

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
21 posted 2002-08-06 10:26 AM


Madame - I have also found that with health one can do anything. I wish you well, and the best...

BC

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
22 posted 2002-08-06 12:00 PM


Thanks so much for your reply, Keth...
I will live in my own skin....I guess I have no choice...
but, I hope to live long and that...is not guaranteed.
~ hugs from a chipmunk in her own furry skin

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
23 posted 2002-08-06 12:02 PM


Thanks so much, Interloper...
~ chipmunky hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
24 posted 2002-08-06 12:04 PM


Karilea...thanks so much for the tight hugs, I need them right now.
~ hugs from scared chipmunk

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
25 posted 2002-08-06 12:06 PM


Thanks so much, Stranger...I'm glad you enjoyed the write.
~ chipmunky hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
26 posted 2002-08-06 12:07 PM


Thanks so much for your wish, Bill...
I need all of those I can get right now...
~ lots of scared rodent hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Dulcinea
Senior Member
since 2001-07-22
Posts 774
IN
27 posted 2002-08-06 12:41 PM


quote:
If we try hard enough
we can find some wealth somewhere
but for health, when all else fails
we depend on prayer


Very well done Lyra! Wow!

(((prayerful hugs of blessing))) for a lovely chipmunk!

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
28 posted 2002-08-06 12:49 PM


Dulcie...
I'm glad you enjoyed the write...
thanks so much for the hugs and the prayers...
they really matter a lot right now.
~ loving chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

bsquirrel
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855

29 posted 2002-08-06 02:20 PM


It's so true. You think you want to be someone else, and then you realize they have all of these problems and shortcomings which they might have kept hidden. Moreso, you realize that the most you could ever be like someone else is only your perception of that person.

Wow, I talk too much. And I'm having trouble expressing the ideas your poem inspired in me. But they're there, aglow.

Much love to you, Lyra. You're in my prayers.

Michael

Said if I only could ...
-KB

catalinamoon
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since 2000-06-03
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The Shores of Alone
30 posted 2002-08-06 02:52 PM


Well said, Lyra. I pray for you all the time. I know you will be ok. Please keep me updated.
Lots of Hugs
Sandra

mycafe
Senior Member
since 2002-05-23
Posts 584

31 posted 2002-08-06 09:43 PM


Dear Lyra, yes money can't buy great health.  But with prayers, miracles happen.  You are in my prayers, you are!

love n hugs,
marie

Keep counting your blessings

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
32 posted 2002-08-07 12:30 PM


Thanks so much for liking and understanding my poem, Mr.Squirrel.
You are absolutely right....
That woman might look enviously at me, but if she knew the problems hiding behind my facade, I am sure that she wouldn't trade her problems for mine...

thanks also for your prayers...they mean so very much to me.
~ loving thank you hugs from a striped rodent friend

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
33 posted 2002-08-07 12:32 PM


Thanks so much for your prayers, Sandra...
I am in total appreciation and so is David.
~ hugs from my heart

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
34 posted 2002-08-07 12:33 PM


Marie...thanks so much for your prayers...
I do need some miracles right now.

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

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