it can’t be denied the years have taken a toll on body and soul still joy will be found in the sweet moments we’ve shared and the new ones we’ll create
aunt bea was sitting outside reading a birth announcement from a grand-niece she said i’ve read that everyday while two people are dying four are being born that’s one sorrow for two moments of joy life and death seem to be out of balance
while curled up on the sofa of time with memories that purr like an old persian cat seeking attention when their human becomes busy with a new life and must be reminded of reality by sinking sharp claws deep into their mortal skin recalling for them how life offers not only joy but pain a friendly reminder from a friend who will not be ignored
these things that fill your day are but shadows on the wall you cannot touch them or hold them close nor will they fill your hand with joy for they are but shadows on the wall
once
long before war
before
grief’s tears
there was a land
a land
without
hate or envy
a place
of peace and joy
a paradise
where everyone
sang a song
a song
with just one word
love
but all these things changed
when one word
was added
to the song
me
love me
the gray morning
air presses hard
against me
holding back
the sounds
of my footsteps
that were so clear
and distinct
as i began
this journey
but now
all i can hear
are my labored breaths
in and out
and
my throbbing heart
a heart seeking
to escape
these city walls
to leave behind
this street
where laughter
and joy
have fled
where only
your memory resides
shrouded in betrayal
wearing a cross
of lies
to conceal
the truth
of who
and what
you are
and what
you’ve done
This poem represents my second response to the second challenge series between Jade and I. As you may recall, each poet provides the other with a series of photos, visual prompts, from which the poet is to write a poem. Jade has written her response which can be found here.