I'm Tired Of Weeping ( In the wake of 911, The Columbia, and deployment of our troops

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hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

0 posted 2003-02-03 09:55 AM

( I haven't watched the news for almost 20 years and my idea of reading the paper consists of looking at the want ads, the comics and doing the crossword puzzle. I am probably one of the few people who could have served on the OJ trial and actually told the truth when I said I didn't know anything about the case, nor do I to this day, except for the fact that somewhere in there a white bronko was involved. I get my news from bits and peieces of peoples conversations. I was once asked why I didn't watch the news, was it because I didn't care...oh, were that the case)

I’m Tired Of Weeping

I’m tired of weeping
for our sons and daughters
sent to war
in the name of peace
and returned home in caskets
aboard winged hearses of metal
as if sending them home
will fill the empty spaces
left at the dinner tables
or fill the void left in our hearts.

I’m tired of weeping
for our friends and neighbors
launched into orbit
in the name of space exploration
and watching crews gather up the pieces
as though they can put everything together again
and make us whole.
I’ve never wanted to see Venus anyway,
save for the view
from a telescope set on the pier of Glendale Lake
on a warm summer’s night.

I’m tired of weeping
for co-workers and children
buried together in melted steel
in the name of power.
All those lives sacrificed to make our country weak,
yet the fires of hatred burn strong.
And yes, we have risen from the ashes,
but those flames have still left scars
that for some will never heal.

I’m tired of weeping.
I don’t want to watch the evening news
or pick up the paper.
Just let me sit
through hours upon hours of sitcoms
and I Love Lucy reruns
until my mind is numb
or let me be
to wade through grandmother’s old chests,
safely tucked away in the attic,
brushing off the layers of dust
to reminisce about a simpler life.

When I beg you not to talk
of The Columbia or 911 or the coming war,
it’s not because I don’t care,
but rather because I care too much.
So tonight, let’s skip the news,
curl together under this weathered quilt
and celebrate life.
I’m tired of weeping.

~ Ruth

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

[This message has been edited by hoot_owl_rn (02-03-2003 09:56 AM).]

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

1 posted 2003-02-03 09:56 AM

I know, I know...
sometimes I have to turn it off...
just to be able to get to
the next day...

Dr Pepper Freak
Member

since 2003-01-30

Posts 72
CA

2 posted 2003-02-03 10:47 AM

"Just let me sit
through hours upon hours of sitcoms
and I Love Lucy reruns"

Im with you sister. I was at work the other day and someone asked me if I wanted to turn on the news or something and my simple reply was no thank you, I don't want to be depressed today. You are right though, its not that there is a lack of caring, its just there is too much caring. Remarkable job on this piece.

It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. ~ Lena Horne

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

3 posted 2003-02-03 10:47 AM

Ruth,
there are instances where i feel that words are meaningless and this is one of them

Hugs to you and yours

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

4 posted 2003-02-03 10:54 AM

Ruth - You're only a bit more resolved on this than I... I see SOME news.. when I go out in the world - and occasionally turn the TV on for some of the more relevant issues.. but rarely... There's much to be said for insularity... I enjoyed this, my friend...

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

5 posted 2003-02-03 10:59 AM

Ruth,
So join my fantasy for a day
And be in Aladins get away.

and hugs

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-01-04

Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise

6 posted 2003-02-03 11:15 AM

Ruth, I have cried a bucket of tears of late and all the sorrow that surrounds us only brings on more. This is such a touching piece of writing and I thank you for sharing it.

Sadly, I will be unable to join 'the girls' at Liz's at the end of the month. Nan will explain the reasons to all of you. And, she has promised we can visit again perhaps in the Spring or Fall.

Thank you for your prayers and concerns.

Huggles, Marti

'I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.'

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

7 posted 2003-02-03 12:37 PM

I don't think anyone could possibly have said this better, Hoot... I loved the title I read through eyes that burn with unshed tears... and the poem is one of your very best.

You even gave me a smile. *S* For I also retreated into memories yesterday... brought out a box of my "treasures" and forgot this world for a while. *S*

Brad Majors

Member Elite

since 2001-04-03

Posts 2647
Georgia

8 posted 2003-02-03 12:40 PM

This is one of those that grab at you. How many times did we need to see those planes crash into the world trade center or see the shuttle explode. Sometimes its easier to not dwell on those things we can not control and hold on those we can.

regards2you
Member Elite

since 2002-10-01

Posts 3940
California

9 posted 2003-02-03 12:41 PM

Yes, because we care too much....

And, yes, let us celebrate life!

This is very well written and
I love every line in this poem. It captures exactly how I feel.
Thank you. Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
"Desiderata"

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

10 posted 2003-02-03 12:54 PM

it sure is easy to feel that way

Charisma

Member Ascendant

since 2000-09-30

Posts 5906
lost in blue pages

11 posted 2003-02-03 02:05 PM

thank you so much for sharing, thoughts of many caring hearts.

Charisma

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

12 posted 2003-02-03 02:41 PM

Ruth, I relate to this as much as almost any poetry I've ever read.
My Dad is constantly telling me and my Mom that we need to keep up with current events and what's happening on the news. He says things about us getting on the telephone and talking about sitcoms or someone on a soap opera, occassionally. But, my Mother and I both care so much that it's a lot easier to turn off reality every now and then. Reality can be so depressing at times that it will run a person insane if they let it........especially the people with the big compassionate and caring hearts. After all, what can we do to change these horrible things? Not a thing, it seems.

Thank you for this. If you don't mind, I'm going to send my Mom a copy of this. Thank you for saying how we feel, Lady.

With love and hugs,
Ethel

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

13 posted 2003-02-03 02:46 PM

Excellent write Ruth...
I especially like this warm safe feeling at the end.

"So tonight, let’s skip the news,
curl together under this weathered quilt
and celebrate life.
I’m tired of weeping."

~Hugs & Smiles, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
So you won't ever forget me~

EagleScorpion
Senior Member

since 2000-03-08

Posts 1644
Here, Now, Forever

14 posted 2003-02-03 02:58 PM

1. 911... was 911.. simple as that..

2. The crew of columbia, and all who have passed, for that matter, are now in a better place. This is something that few of us truly understand.

3. The coming "war" will be over in 2 months after we carpet bomb Baghdad and destroy Saddamm's whole army. (which sucks, since the poor bastards dont know any better, and certainly have no choice in the matter)

scorpio
Member Ascendant

since 2002-10-02

Posts 5178
right...there

15 posted 2003-02-03 03:04 PM

I share your sentiments...but I know we can't hide from the realities of the world and the impact they have on us...it may seem overwhelming at times...but we have to bear witness and know..

believe in what your heart feels...

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

16 posted 2003-02-03 07:57 PM

I thank you all for your comments on this piece, I wrote it last night at work.
In refrence to the comments about hiding from reality, I'm well aware of the goings on in the world as anyone should know from my postings as many of them deal with touchy subjects. I just can't handle watching peoples grief and were "the news" all the news reported, I'd be fine, but they tend to exploit peoples grief to make headlines and it pains me so to watch it. I'm not a mushroom (keep in the dark and fed BS), but I'm very selective on what I expose myself to as other's grief can easily become my own. I hope perhaps this makes better sense.

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

17 posted 2003-02-03 08:30 PM

I couldn't agree more, Ruth. No, we cannot be ostriches and live with philosophy that "if I close my eyes you can't see me" but the overkill with which networks and news agencies bombard us is really nauseating at times. I'm sticking with Al Bundy reruns!

Pure Ruth writing...it gets no better

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

18 posted 2003-02-03 08:34 PM

(big hugggsssssssss) Oh Ruth, I hate the news, it is always bad news it seems and there is never anything so enlightening they ever share, plus the media is always betraying us by hiding so much of the details and choosing what they want EVERYONE to hear and we get a repercussion of meltdown! (sad sigh) My heart too cries out for no more of this, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Ruth, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

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

Shakira

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

19 posted 2003-02-04 03:31 AM

I suppose thats why some watch old movies...I imagine theirs plenty of people that would like to see some good news mixed in with the bad...James

Paul Wilson

Member Elite

since 2002-07-07

Posts 4711
United States

20 posted 2003-02-04 03:57 AM

Ruth~ A telling write.
It reminds me of an old Ann Murray song from the 70's I believe, titled
" We sure could use a Little Good News Today "
Paul

"To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you"

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

21 posted 2003-02-04 08:42 AM

Once more, thank you all for the comments and my heart goes out to those impacted by any of these three events

VAS
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-16

Posts 7450
Oregon

22 posted 2003-02-04 09:45 AM

SUPERBLY WOVEN!

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

Andrew Scott
Member Elite

since 1999-06-24

Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA

23 posted 2003-02-04 04:03 PM

I have a love / hate relationship with my T.V., most of it stemming from the sensationalist approach taken with death, disaster and any other debacle the nightly news deems worthy of our shock. I may not cry at the daily reports of civilization imploding upon itself, but I do feel the pressure. Especially as I look upon my daughters and wonder what the future holds in store for them. I hope some day we loosen our grip on this world and let Her breath freely. I’m sure we would all feel a sense of relief. With a bow to you and yours… peace to you m’lady Hoot.

lucky
Senior Member

since 2000-01-17

Posts 1601
Idaho

24 posted 2003-02-05 12:50 PM

TV or not, we all still have a radio... I guess that's so if there's a war or something we can tune in and find out what to do, huh..???????

I do think however that most of us would have thought a lot longer about having children if we thought we were going to get them mailed to us in a box 20 or so years later. I know I would thought more about it. (but in my case I don't think it would have changed anything, I was caught in the grips of the moment and unable to think of such things at the time) but I haven't had a son or grandson die yet... though my eyes can see now I'm afraid I have to agree with you. (I prefer not to see it)

Much love Ruth, Rj and myself

Speaking of ghosts, and after such an eternity. . .wouldn't you know, here comes mine again...
~Rosemary J. Gwaltney~

lucky
Senior Member

since 2000-01-17

Posts 1601
Idaho

25 posted 2003-02-06 10:28 PM

Oops

I forgot to tell you how good this is/was and still is...

Speaking of ghosts, and after such an eternity. . .wouldn't you know, here comes mine again...
~Rosemary J. Gwaltney~

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