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Open Poetry #3
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Third Street Promenade
| Open Poetry #3 |
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Third Street Promenade |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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THIRD STREET PROMENADE I went for a walk along the ocean, Thought the scenery might do me good. Cold reality changed my perception Of a once beautiful neighborhood. I saw chessboards with losers on both sides Betting street drugs against foodstamps. The walkway littered with empty bottles, Walls with graffiti, broken streetlamps. Knocked over trash cans, rummaging bums, Teenagers proudly brandishing knives. Alcoholics begging for spare change. Pretty women prostituting their lives. I saw a busboy beating on a vagrant For trying to eat someone's leftover food. Only to promptly throw it away With a "Holier than Thou" attitude. Saddened, I walked back towards my hotel. But before I got there, against the wall, I saw him sitting dark and silent. I saw a man who lost it all. His eyes stared off into nothingness. His face, the visage of despair. He never moved, nor made a sound, I'm not even sure he knew I was there. An army jacket, camouflage pants. The dog tags told me this man had served. Only to be forsaken and forgotten, Coming home to a life so undeserved. I offered money, I offered food, The man never lifted an eye. I couldn't give him what he needed, I couldn't give him a reason "Why?" Spray-painted on the wall above him, The words "Love thy neighbor" boldly displayed - The forgotten values of a society, Lost in class levels by which friends are weighed. Late that night, I went back to find him. But in the distance hearing trumpets fade. I realized Peace gave him his answer In the cheerless Third Street Promenade. I stopped a moment to count my blessings, Looking out to the stars above me. In noticing my less fortunate brothers, I wondered what they must be thinking of me. For the first time I saw how their eyes shined With emotion only a God-given soul contrives. And I realized it's people, not scenery, That bring true beauty to our lives. ------------------ Michael Anderson May Darkness find you all through the day. |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
At first, I thought you were walking down the street where I live... but our ocean is miles away... *S* Great poem, Michael (not that you write any other kind! LOL)... the last two lines are especially wise! |
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U K Hero Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 266England |
Well, what can I say except "BRILLIANT" |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Well stated...and I have come to know some very beautiful people here ------------------ It is better to be silent and be considered a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt. |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Poignant observation and revelation to this Michael. ------------------ Now and forever my heart hears ~one voice~. DreamEvil© |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Amen!  ------------------ Denise |
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caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
written with insight and passion, Michael. Wonderful, this is. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Well, thank you everyone. I'm glad you were able to tolerate a piece of this length. And yes, suthern, the last two lines could stand alone, couldn't they. ------------------ Michael Anderson May Darkness find you all through the day. |
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Pufalove Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 119Houston, Tx. USA |
I really LIKED this one. It should be posted in the "open world", not just the open forum. |
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Dragoness Senior Member
since 1999-08-07
Posts 513 |
Nicely done and so true.Thank-You for this one. ------------------ Set you heart free and your mind will follow. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Well done, Michael!... |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
brilliant indeed Michael.....I can never get enough of your works......... ------------------ May your days be filled with lots of sunshine and your nights lit up by golden moonbeams |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
Sometimes you write things so haunting in their starkness and it makes me cry. This is one such example. Excellent! ------------------ If you love me like music, I'll be your song. ~Heart~ Dreamboat Annie |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
Yet another masterpiece of your talent that slipped past me....(sigh) Man, you kept your pen busy while I was away.....(sigh) Printer still smoking.....LOL ------------------ I beckon you to come...I lure you with my tongue... - poet FemmeFatale |
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JennyLee Senior Member
since 1999-09-01
Posts 1461Northwestern, NJ. |
Bravo! So glad this didn't slip by me. The "light" suits thee well!! Jenny  |
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