two for one…

two for one

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

even if you didn’t ask….

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

joy

nine to five…

copyright cwmartin 2011

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

the song…

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

on the edge…

Challenge Photo II from Jade

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