Open Poetry #24 |
I'm Tired Of Weeping ( In the wake of 911, The Columbia, and deployment of our troops |
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
( 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).] |
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© Copyright 2003 Ruth Kephart - All Rights Reserved | |||
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I know, I know... sometimes I have to turn it off... just to be able to get to the next day... |
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Dr Pepper Freak Member
since 2003-01-30
Posts 72CA |
"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 |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
Ruth, there are instances where i feel that words are meaningless and this is one of them Hugs to you and yours |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
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... |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Ruth, So join my fantasy for a day And be in Aladins get away. and hugs |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
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.' |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
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* |
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Brad Majors
since 2001-04-03
Posts 2647Georgia |
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. |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
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.. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
it sure is easy to feel that way |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
thank you so much for sharing, thoughts of many caring hearts. Charisma |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
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 |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
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, |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
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) |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
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... |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
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. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
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 |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(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..." |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
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 |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
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" |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Once more, thank you all for the comments and my heart goes out to those impacted by any of these three events |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
SUPERBLY WOVEN! Whether on the shoal or on the shore, |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
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. |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
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... |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
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... |
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