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Open Poetry #26
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2003-05-03 10:06 AM



Consequences

They placed the infant on her lap
Wrapped in the peace of slumbering nap
She softly cupped the newborn child
And smiled as though it hurt to smile

The joy of life evoked a tear
Just cradling an infant near
For she was growing old and weak
And spoke as though it hurt to speak

She said how different it would be
If only he were here to see
A child born and free from harm,
No number etched upon his arm

Four generations have survived
And kept the family name alive
And for the ones she left behind
Her wrist was still their living shrine

This child, she said, will never hold
The scars I’ve carried in my soul
She pulled the bottom of her sleeve
As though this child would never grieve

Five generations gathered round
An infant’s breath the only sound
Though life to them ,a precious gift
Some lived as though it hurt to live

For degradation, hurt, and shame
Still flowed with tenants through the vein
Into a heart with sorrow laced
Until the numbers were erased

Survivors never were set free
From consequence of tyranny
When stripped of dignity and pride
They somehow lived as though they died

How beautiful this tiny child
That now brought on a tearless smile
Though questions lingered in a sigh
As though it hurt to wonder why

Elizabeth Santos

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (05-03-2003 10:15 AM).]

© Copyright 2003 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

1 posted 2003-05-03 10:10 AM


So many survivors feel guilt for surviving disasters (or pogroms) that they appear the walking dead. Yet others cherish life in a new light. Your poem begs the question why.
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
2 posted 2003-05-03 10:12 AM


Elizabeth,
Excellent and I hope you are feeling better.
Sy

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2003-05-03 10:14 AM



Elizabeth, so good to have you home...
you never fail to wake the conscience...

and you never fail to write anything
that we don't keep...

hugs, my friend...


garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
4 posted 2003-05-03 10:23 AM


Elizabeth, this felt so real. You have a way of doing that. And, I'm glad to be abvle to read you again. Thank you for sharing this. Even though it's sad to me, it is also beautiful.
Hugs  
Ethel

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
5 posted 2003-05-03 01:00 PM


Elizabeth:

you amaze me -

this is breathtaking
and the newness seems to just wash
away all of the sorrow for a spell

reminds me of a song by Creed
"Whats This Life For"
amazing tune - everything you have
painted here for us
xxoo  

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
6 posted 2003-05-03 01:38 PM


Now that one actually took my breath away Liz.  Karilea is looking for poems to read aloud regarding an amendment about something in the States, and I am sending this to her pronto.  You simply astound me with your work m'friend.


[This message has been edited by Mysteria (05-04-2003 05:14 AM).]

Munda
Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands
7 posted 2003-05-03 02:57 PM


Excellent write Liz.
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
8 posted 2003-05-04 12:26 PM


Liz please don't forget to send this to Karilea as a submission for her presentation - just a reminder hon.
Richy
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050

9 posted 2003-05-04 04:56 AM




How special you are to share something like this with so many...

A giant of a piece... one I will keep...


Blessings to you,

Richy

[This message has been edited by Richy (05-04-2003 09:06 AM).]

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
10 posted 2003-05-04 08:03 AM


This is especially beautiful for me, dear Liz... Having spent a most unique day just last week, beginning with welcoming our family's newest member - and ending with a very teary farewell to his great-great-grandmother (my grandmother)... I thank you for your eloquence, you wondrous lady...
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
11 posted 2003-05-04 04:39 PM


You all have warmed my heart with your beautiful comments and I am grateful to know your sentiments upon having read it.
Thank you so much
Liz

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
12 posted 2003-05-05 02:27 AM




(big hugggssssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, your beautiful compassionate words consequentially always bring tears to my eyes and make me smile knowing your golden heart as I pray for the children and that they will be nurtured with love and not stung by the same tears and knowledge of sorrow! (wipes tears) This is precious, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Underneath your clothes, there's an endless story

***Shakira***

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
13 posted 2003-05-05 01:02 PM


Survivors never were set free
From consequence of tyranny
When stripped of dignity and pride
They somehow lived as though they died

What an eloquent, emotional sharing of pain that permeates generations... and the hope that the next generation will be the one free of its bondage. This is simply superb.

Sven
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Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
14 posted 2003-05-06 12:57 PM


you have always been one of my favorites. . .

this is why. . . well done my friend. . .

----------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

15 posted 2003-05-06 03:31 PM


You have been missed, Elizabeth. I hope all is well. Excellent expression!
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