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hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

0 posted 2003-02-18 04:17 PM


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 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.
  
  

© Copyright 2003 Ruth Kephart - All Rights Reserved
Sudhir Iyer
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since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
1 posted 2003-02-18 04:19 PM


Speaks so much of these present times... well written... well expressed...

Regards,
Sudhir

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
2 posted 2003-02-18 04:21 PM


Well expressed fear. It gets my vote.

Cold hands means a warm heart

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2003-02-18 04:26 PM


If this book holds nothing more than this one poem, it will be money well invested, for this captures so much of our times, Ruth, but then, you always manage to do that.  

I do wish I could vote more than once!  I'd stuff the darn box for this one...

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
4 posted 2003-02-18 04:30 PM


Sunshine....thank you, you don't know how much that means to me
Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

5 posted 2003-02-18 04:41 PM


This poem indeed reflects the wonderful and beautiful person you are Ruth, therefore truly deserves to be included in 'Reflections on the Web"
Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
6 posted 2003-02-18 04:47 PM


I am so with you on this!---that is why I periodically go on news fasts. The news can literally make sensitive souls sick!
You did a great job with this piece!

Warm hugs,
Linda

Local Parasite
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7 posted 2003-02-18 06:39 PM


You're gonna have to turn off the TV and stop reading the papers if you're tired of weeping, 'cause it's everywhere.  I do agree with you, however... I think it's necessary to just move on with life.  Weeping itself accomplishes nothing.  Retaliation doesn't stop the weeping... it just starts more weeping in another country.

It's too bad more people don't feel like you do.

Parasite

"Faith" means the will to avoid knowing what is true.
~ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Mistletoe Angel
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8 posted 2003-02-18 07:33 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Ruth, I can't stand ton watch the news either anymore, sweet friend, it seems every headline they make is depressing and just makes me want to cry, our leaders sending children off to war, the tragedies in Chicago and South Korea, the rainforests being cleared, I can't say anymore! (wipes tears) I just want to celebrate the simple joys of life and hope everyone else could just do the same before we can't even do that anymore, I send angel hugs out to all the world and you, this has my vote, we all love nyou 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

hoot_owl_rn
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since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
9 posted 2003-02-18 08:17 PM


Thank you everyone
Lighthousebob
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since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
10 posted 2003-02-18 08:19 PM


So true... but I will not expound for I too have shed too many tears and seek to remember a simpler day.  Thanks for your reply and God bless.

-Bob

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
11 posted 2003-02-18 08:24 PM


YES!!! Into the book it goes!!  For sure!

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
12 posted 2003-02-18 08:34 PM



Ah yes...I remember this one.
Well said, Ruth.
Hugs,
~Vicky

"...until you have read the verse on his heart,
you have not truly met the poet.
~vlraynes

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
13 posted 2003-02-18 08:57 PM



Glad you put this one up Ruth, I must have missed it the first time.

I think we all feel the same way.

Titia

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Poet deVine
Administrator
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
14 posted 2003-02-18 09:38 PM


Amen. Sometimes the comfort of that quilt is all I want to. Enjoyed this greatly.
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

15 posted 2003-02-18 09:47 PM


a must read for the book and these troubled time. Perfect Ruth.

" ... And think not, that you can direct the course of love ...
if it finds you worthy ...  it then directs your course."

K.Gibran


Paul Wilson
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16 posted 2003-02-18 10:35 PM


Ruth~ You write how we all feel in our hearts. Enjoyed this when you first posted it and even more this time around.
Paul

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

Martie
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Posts 28049
California
17 posted 2003-02-18 10:37 PM


Ruth...Me too!  
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
18 posted 2003-02-18 11:48 PM


Once more, thank you all for your support and understanding on this one
suthern
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since 1999-07-29
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Louisiana
19 posted 2003-02-19 02:05 PM


For these times... for all times. *S* Excellent work, hoot! *S*
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
20 posted 2003-02-19 02:08 PM


Lady Hoot: I remember this one from the Open Forum. Glad to see you submitting it for the book.  With vote in hand I bow to you and yours.
Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
21 posted 2003-02-20 12:53 PM


Unfortunatly this is so timely Ruth, but sometimes the truth just plain hurts.  An excellent choice and so well done.

          
~* Carpe' Diem *~  

kaile
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singapore
22 posted 2003-02-20 12:57 PM


this is a good one, Ruth
Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
23 posted 2003-02-20 02:10 AM


Hoot....I understand all too well your feelings here....I hardly ever watch the news because it makes me very sad!!!!  LOVE YOUR POETRY!!!

Bridgette

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
24 posted 2003-02-20 09:10 AM


Thank you everyone
Charisma
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lost in blue pages
25 posted 2003-02-21 04:35 AM


Words from the heart...enjoyed your wonderful poetry as always.


Charisma

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
26 posted 2003-02-21 09:18 AM


Dear Hoot, You've got what it takes, a pen that knows how to say exactly what you want it to say. THis is excellent1
See you in a few hours!
Liz

rodger_jr
Junior Member
since 2000-05-16
Posts 37
Glen Hope, PA
27 posted 2003-02-21 10:17 AM


This poem is heart felt and sincere.  It's sometimes hard to face the trageties in life that we all must face.  Any time we have problems in our lives we need to remember the families of the people who have been lost under these much more tragic circumstances.  Very good Ruth.  Hugs and Kisses till I see you again.

Rodger

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
28 posted 2003-02-22 09:33 AM


Let's pray that the future holds more blessings than tragedies and that sanity and reason will prevail. Beautifully expressed, Ruth.
fractal007
Senior Member
since 2000-06-01
Posts 1958

29 posted 2003-02-22 09:52 AM


Whoa!  Quite a powerful statement concerning the major issues that confront us today in the news.  I especially liked your description of the aircraft as "winged hearses of metal."  This was very powerful and ought to be in the book!

"If my fate is to die, I must simply laugh"
-- Magus
"there is no good and evil, there are just sides."
-- Local Parasite

Chanson
Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559
Up Creek w/Out Paddle
30 posted 2003-02-22 07:14 PM


Amen...
Nicely done. *s

When you think you have heard it all,
listen more closely.
~Dorene

dgvarner
Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552
High Springs, Florida
31 posted 2003-02-23 02:37 PM


I'll be right there with you plundering in grandma's old stuff in the attic...

much enjoyed your words..

hugs, g

"laughter is the shortest distance between two people"  - victor borge

Joyce Johnson
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Washington State
32 posted 2003-02-23 03:12 PM


My vote is cast.  I'm tired too.  Joyce
kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
33 posted 2003-02-23 03:21 PM


Add a melody to this and it would sweep the nation.  It is so true and so well phrased.  Ken J

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

rodger_jr
Junior Member
since 2000-05-16
Posts 37
Glen Hope, PA
34 posted 2003-02-23 03:38 PM


...oops, hit this again by mistake

[This message has been edited by rodger_jr (02-23-2003 09:52 PM).]

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
35 posted 2003-02-25 08:29 AM


LOL - Tell Rodger he's cute... I hit it too.. but not by mistake...
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
36 posted 2003-02-25 11:50 AM


Thank you everyone for your kind comments about this one, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite poems
Munda
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since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands
37 posted 2003-02-26 05:21 PM


Ruth, an exceptional write!
Bill Charles
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since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
38 posted 2003-02-26 05:24 PM


hoot_owl_rn - it's a shame that this world can't live in peace and work together. One can only imagine what it would then be like. My vote for this writing...

BC

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
39 posted 2003-03-05 03:52 PM


and now a favorite of mine also *s
M

Fred Hobbs
Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329
Tallahassee, Florida, US
40 posted 2003-03-05 04:02 PM


A vote from me Ruth.  You've spoken for a lot of us.

fh

garysgirl
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Florida, USA
41 posted 2003-03-05 07:40 PM


Ruth, I sure did think that I had already voted for this one, but apparently I didn't. I don't see a reply from me on here. Okay...now I have.....

"Love makes the world go around"
~with love and hugs from Ethel__GG~  
                  

KristieSue
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42 posted 2003-03-05 08:08 PM


I was chatting with a friend yesterday who lives in Hawaii as I was watching the news. Everytime a new story came on, I started talking about it.  My friend's comment was "Gosh, you're full of good news tonight".  

It's hard to remain optimistic when the world is full of pain and misery...

Great way to put it.

HUGGLES

KS

Ratleader
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Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass
43 posted 2003-03-09 10:25 PM


Aren't we all, by golly........
SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
44 posted 2003-03-14 08:37 AM


I have not watched the news, really watched it or read a newspaper for years. I don't want to live my life in constant misery and fear about situations I have absolutely no control over. I can't afford to waste my todays' and when that 'tomorrow' comes I will do what I have to do and face whatever then. I have been called 'ignorant' for my stand here by a close relative and all I can say is 'Ignorance is bliss' and I really like and can handle 'bliss'. Vote is in.
Jeffrey Carter
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State of constant confusion!
45 posted 2003-03-15 01:18 AM


i think this deserves to be in the book, simply for the content, not to mention the excellent writing
pjtalty
Member
since 2002-07-17
Posts 111
W.A., Australia
46 posted 2003-04-05 09:41 AM


This one hits the spot, as the saying goes. It gives reasons why the poet wants to opt out of worrying about the daily diet of sad/bad news, then comes up with a resolution to which we all can relate. The rhyming scheme is well handled, is apt and stylish; even elegant with a background of sighs. As an example of good writing, this one fills the bill more than adequately. Look forward to reading it in the anthology.

Patrick Talty

Honeybee
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since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
47 posted 2003-04-06 10:40 PM


Oh Ruth, you've moved me greatly and your words are a testament of the compassionate poet you are, it would be an honour to have this in the book to remind us all.

Take care,
Melissa~

Street Heart
Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349
Pennsylvania,USA
48 posted 2003-04-07 10:50 AM


Ruth,I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this.Very forthright and understandable in regards to you feelings.I truly hope you don't mind that I sent this to my best friend as an E-Card.I knew that he would appreciate your work here for many reasons.In fact,if he were a writer,this most certainly would have been penned by him.By-the-way,he had just given me a DVD of the first 4 shows of "I Love Lucy" for my birthday,believe it or not!
Anyway,I enjoyed this very much and it's a "Keeper" for me.

Peace,Geoffrey

If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living.

Martin Luther King,Jr. Detroit,1963

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
49 posted 2003-04-07 08:49 PM


Geoffrey...what greater praise could one ask for ?

Everyone, thanks for your support of this piece

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