"Writing is like walking in a deserted street. Out of the dust in the street you make a mud pie."
~ John LeCarre
"All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
" Everywhere is walking distance~ if you have the time." ~ Steven Wright
Years ago when I bought my first computer from an auction. I would go into a poetry chat room.
It didn't take too long for even me to figure out that there wasn't much poetry writing going on in there! I did however "meet" a few people who actually did write when not involved in the room drama. (Drama being a nice word!) One of them still sends me quotes sometimes to write from. The third quote above is his latest quote gift to me. Thanks John!
When we were kids we had almost everything we might need in walking distance. Aunt Lucy and two Uncles~ Emmett and Oneal. Grandma Blacks house and the store. The pond and the woods. We would take long walks through the woods, coming out at the Railroad tracks. I remember one time in particular that Jimmy and Frank found an old Ice box someone had dumped in the woods and we all went to see it. It was a beautiful old wooden ice box. Aluminum lined the inside. It had Wonderful carvings on the front doors. We intended to tote it home but when we tried to carry it; it fell into pieces there in the woods. I remember walking home following behind Mama and Daddy and being happy that they were holding hands. I skipped along, catching up to hold mama's other hand myself. I remember that they were talking about an ice box that one of the Grandma's had owned long before then.
Later after I got grown I often walked from Barnwell out to Mama and Daddy's house or to Grandma's to spend the day. Me and 'Tricia would get together and "play" beauty shop. Me and Anthony walking to her house, stopping by the store on the way to grab us a Pepsi to share. I'd walk to Trudy's house almost every day. We walked to the library at least once a week and I guess even then everything I needed was with-in walking distance.
I still like to walk. I mostly just walk around my own property line now unless I decide to go all out and make a trip across the lake and back.Walking is good for your body and I believe good for your spirit as well.
I am posting today the poems I wrote from the Quote that was a gift to me. The third one I wrote for a contest that used the same quote but had to be written with only 15 words! Again I say thanks John! Please take a walk when you get the chance. Maybe just a walk around in the mall. Or Maybe you know of a nice park to walk in. Or you can come here and walk with me and Mason through our Pines! Have a great day!
Patsy
Angel Walking
I rode passed him slow
thinking how extremely
green were his eyes.
Frightened that I could see
their Beautiful color from so far.
I drove on.
Finding a spot I turned around.
Driving by again and again.
Searching his green eyes for a sign.
Looking for wings. Seeing no sign.
Seeing no wings. Shaken and afraid.
I drove on.
Thoughts of Angels walking
filled my heart and head.
would I be blessed by stopping.
But fear also ruled. Might I just be
found dead in the ditch by a passer by?
I drove on.
I made the turn for one last ride by.
give me a sign I shouted I'm human.
Even in believing I doubted. I looked
up and down for miles on that road.
Here was my sign. The Angel was gone.
I drove on.
written by: Patricia Sawyer
10-31-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Walking Distance
Home all day alone.
Bored.Me and him.
Him just two.
We walked this town over.
Visiting friends and sisters too.
There was nowhere too far.
We had learned to like to walk,
you see, For we didn't own a car.
Sometimes a little change we'd have
for a soda we would share.
A sweet pay phone call to Mama
if there was a quarter spare.
We haunted the local librarian
reading all her books.
He'd hide behind the front hall stairs
when she gave us funny looks.
We prayed in all the Churches.
Waiting out the Rain.
The last drops still dropping
and off we'd go again.
To the Lake for a swim
he loved it best down there.
He'd shake in the sunshine
his golden curly hair.
Everywhere in walking distance,
we had plenty of time.
Some days we walked by his plan
Some days we walked by Mine
He's all grown up now. A Man.
Doing things in his own ways.
I just hope that he remembers
That His Mama can walk for days!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-31-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Walking to Grandma's
Cook up peas and Okra.
Rice is nice.
Halfway there sunrise.
Joining you for Lunch.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-31-2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I love the lists! They Feed Imagination!
"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible -- the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family" ~ Virginia Satir
"There's no vocabulary For love within a family, love that's lived in But not looked at, love within the light of which All else is seen, the love within which All other love finds speech. This love is silent." ~T S Eliot
"Here is my List~ Granny Jean, Jack, Love, Hope, Family~ see what you can do." ~ Camella
" I give you the gift of one word ~Fire!" ~ Anthony
I love the lists. I get them from family and friends and strangers. I get them from old spelling books sometimes if I am out of lists from people. I also like the word search word lists because they usually all pertain to a certain subject. But I really like lists that people give to me. I know they are excited to see what I can do with their words. And I am always excited too see what I can do with their words too. There have only been a very few times that I have not wrote from a list that was given to me. I have even wrote from one word lists. Words like fire, Anger, and even the word whores have been sent to me. I wrote for each of them. But today I am posting two poems. The first is from a list of words that Camella sent to me. A short lists as you can see. The shorter the list the harder it is to write. More words for me to pull from my own brain. The Second poem is from a one word gift from Anthony. I hope Y'all enjoy today's writings.
Have a great day.
Patsy
Not What I Had Imagined!
Delightful Meaty, spicy
aroma's spilled into the air
from the red brick Building
and I felt sure that the People
boating, on the two blocks away,
Lake were sniffing the air.
Head tossed back In awe
of the wonderful smells.
"Jack's in the kitchen"
I heard him say as they pulled
into the empty parking space
next to mine. Smiling!
Glad to see us there.
Frank was in Love.
Coming around the red mustang,
grinning, in his new blue jeans.
Helping His new love from the front seat.
Settling the Child upon his hip.
Natural, the way the three of them
seemed to fit. A budding family.
Camella smiled eyes filled with hope,
reaching out for Anthony. Laughing
as he threw his year old self into
her welcoming arms.
Laughing her way up the sidewalk.
Passed the pots of vibrant blooms
resting there on the narrow steps.
" Welcome Home" they seemed to say
in the bland neighborhood. Yellows and bright
reds tumbling from their clay pots.
I was a little bit afraid. About to meet
My brother's, new Love's family.
What if they don't like me I wondered,
will it make them not like him?
I'll be on my very best behavior!
I promised myself silently.
Just before Granny Jean threw
open the front door. Standing there
with pocket novel in her hand
and a welcoming smile in her eyes.
I was about to be introduced
to my new Lifelong friends.
Not at all what I had imagined.
But oh so much more than I had hoped.
I was their new son's little sister.
That made me family in the Brown House!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fire
fierce
inferno
raging and
engaging!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
2-18-2008
"There's no vocabulary For love within a family, love that's lived in But not looked at, love within the light of which All else is seen, the love within which All other love finds speech. This love is silent." ~T S Eliot
"Here is my List~ Granny Jean, Jack, Love, Hope, Family~ see what you can do." ~ Camella
" I give you the gift of one word ~Fire!" ~ Anthony
I love the lists. I get them from family and friends and strangers. I get them from old spelling books sometimes if I am out of lists from people. I also like the word search word lists because they usually all pertain to a certain subject. But I really like lists that people give to me. I know they are excited to see what I can do with their words. And I am always excited too see what I can do with their words too. There have only been a very few times that I have not wrote from a list that was given to me. I have even wrote from one word lists. Words like fire, Anger, and even the word whores have been sent to me. I wrote for each of them. But today I am posting two poems. The first is from a list of words that Camella sent to me. A short lists as you can see. The shorter the list the harder it is to write. More words for me to pull from my own brain. The Second poem is from a one word gift from Anthony. I hope Y'all enjoy today's writings.
Have a great day.
Patsy
Not What I Had Imagined!
Delightful Meaty, spicy
aroma's spilled into the air
from the red brick Building
and I felt sure that the People
boating, on the two blocks away,
Lake were sniffing the air.
Head tossed back In awe
of the wonderful smells.
"Jack's in the kitchen"
I heard him say as they pulled
into the empty parking space
next to mine. Smiling!
Glad to see us there.
Frank was in Love.
Coming around the red mustang,
grinning, in his new blue jeans.
Helping His new love from the front seat.
Settling the Child upon his hip.
Natural, the way the three of them
seemed to fit. A budding family.
Camella smiled eyes filled with hope,
reaching out for Anthony. Laughing
as he threw his year old self into
her welcoming arms.
Laughing her way up the sidewalk.
Passed the pots of vibrant blooms
resting there on the narrow steps.
" Welcome Home" they seemed to say
in the bland neighborhood. Yellows and bright
reds tumbling from their clay pots.
I was a little bit afraid. About to meet
My brother's, new Love's family.
What if they don't like me I wondered,
will it make them not like him?
I'll be on my very best behavior!
I promised myself silently.
Just before Granny Jean threw
open the front door. Standing there
with pocket novel in her hand
and a welcoming smile in her eyes.
I was about to be introduced
to my new Lifelong friends.
Not at all what I had imagined.
But oh so much more than I had hoped.
I was their new son's little sister.
That made me family in the Brown House!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fire
fierce
inferno
raging and
engaging!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
2-18-2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
"Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night." ~Steve Almond
"One need not be a chamber to be haunted; One need not be a house; The brain has corridors surpassing Material place." ~Emily Dickinson
"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. " ~ William Shakespeare
Today is Halloween. I have always loved Halloween. I have always had someone to dress up in a costume . When I was young I dressed Reuben and Martha up in all kinds of crazy things. My Favorite for them was a fat man for Reuben and a little old woman for Martha. I did dress her as a fat man too every once in a while. Reuben just flat refused though when I wanted him to be the old woman.. Go figure?! If you have a small child and no costume you will never go wrong with a fat midget. I promise you that everyone will love it.. You might win a prize even. Plus you will laugh yourself silly. And think of the pictures you can show to the kids later. Every one of my kids have been fat man/midget. Even the girls. My boys all said no to the old woman thing too.. Go figure again!? A few times I dressed a few of My own up as Fat men and we looked like the circus had come to town.
One Halloween in particular I remember that Martha wanted to be a cat. I already had her fixed up in leotards and had made a tail and pinned to the back of her black body shirt. I had already sneaked Mary's eye liner and drawn her whiskers. She was perfect. I had tried to get Reuben to be grandma and wear her bonnet.. he said "NO!" I had tried to get him to be a pirate.. ... He said "NO!" So I went into Daddy's closet and found his blue plaid walking shorts. and a green striped shirt and grabbed a couple of pillows. I found a straw hat in the laundry room and got a neck tie from behind Daddy's bathroom door. In just a few minutes I had created a perfectly round smiling fat midget man. The first of his kind.. And what do you Know, Reuben said " YES!"
Miss Sylvia across the street screamed with laughter till she finally said she had to go change her clothes. Mr Olin gave us a dollar for making her wet her pants. I of course took care of all the money as usual. Mrs. Hutto dragged him for her husband to see and they filled our sacks with candy. Aunt Lucy just shook her head and tried not to smile. " Y'all gonna get a whipping messing around with your Daddy's clothes." she said. I saw the twinkle in her eye though. Mr Harold made Miss Guida give us two popcorn balls each. Everywhere we trick er treated that night they herded Reuben inside so someone who either couldn't or wouldn't come outside, could get a look at him. We all made a great haul of candy that night. And if I had a small child this year I would be walking down the street with a fat /midget man and a sack full of candy. Have fun with your children today. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween you can still just spend time with the kids. Play dress up with them sometimes. Let the kid inside of you be free just for a short time. Enjoy yourself..
Have a great day!
Patsy
Spooky Night
Oh me Oh My a ghost
no ship but I see coming a pirate
their breath the scent of candy
away they scramble with frightening cries
Look across the moon flies a witch
and dangled from it's web a spider!
a huge black and spotted spider
watch as it wiggles towards the ghost
swatted now by the broom of the littlest witch
gobbled down by the skinny pirate
way down in the swamp an animal cries
here all the cries are for candy
bowls and cauldrons filled with candy
webs hanging low woven by a fat plastic spider.
oh No a pink clad princess cries
to a hangman and a green ghost
Run away screams the pirate
as from the darkness flies a blond witch
she's skinny for a witch
we should stuff her with candy
we could sell her to the pirate
or feed her to the spider
give her to me moans the ghost
we laugh at her cries
we cackle at the echo of her cries
we admire the warted nose of the witch
what a pitiful ghost
begging for more candy
trembling before the huge spider
holding tight to the hand of his sister pirate
Pirate after treasure less Pirate
all afraid of the haunting cries
squatting low under the web tangled spider
keeping their eye on the witch
clutching their sacks and buckets of candy
daringly unafraid of the ghost
This years best was a Pirate, the scariest was a witch
our ears ached with the cries for more and more candy
Till the only spooks beneath the spider on our porch, was our own little ghost.
~a sestina~
written by: Patricia Sawyer
10-12-2008
"One need not be a chamber to be haunted; One need not be a house; The brain has corridors surpassing Material place." ~Emily Dickinson
"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. " ~ William Shakespeare
Today is Halloween. I have always loved Halloween. I have always had someone to dress up in a costume . When I was young I dressed Reuben and Martha up in all kinds of crazy things. My Favorite for them was a fat man for Reuben and a little old woman for Martha. I did dress her as a fat man too every once in a while. Reuben just flat refused though when I wanted him to be the old woman.. Go figure?! If you have a small child and no costume you will never go wrong with a fat midget. I promise you that everyone will love it.. You might win a prize even. Plus you will laugh yourself silly. And think of the pictures you can show to the kids later. Every one of my kids have been fat man/midget. Even the girls. My boys all said no to the old woman thing too.. Go figure again!? A few times I dressed a few of My own up as Fat men and we looked like the circus had come to town.
One Halloween in particular I remember that Martha wanted to be a cat. I already had her fixed up in leotards and had made a tail and pinned to the back of her black body shirt. I had already sneaked Mary's eye liner and drawn her whiskers. She was perfect. I had tried to get Reuben to be grandma and wear her bonnet.. he said "NO!" I had tried to get him to be a pirate.. ... He said "NO!" So I went into Daddy's closet and found his blue plaid walking shorts. and a green striped shirt and grabbed a couple of pillows. I found a straw hat in the laundry room and got a neck tie from behind Daddy's bathroom door. In just a few minutes I had created a perfectly round smiling fat midget man. The first of his kind.. And what do you Know, Reuben said " YES!"
Miss Sylvia across the street screamed with laughter till she finally said she had to go change her clothes. Mr Olin gave us a dollar for making her wet her pants. I of course took care of all the money as usual. Mrs. Hutto dragged him for her husband to see and they filled our sacks with candy. Aunt Lucy just shook her head and tried not to smile. " Y'all gonna get a whipping messing around with your Daddy's clothes." she said. I saw the twinkle in her eye though. Mr Harold made Miss Guida give us two popcorn balls each. Everywhere we trick er treated that night they herded Reuben inside so someone who either couldn't or wouldn't come outside, could get a look at him. We all made a great haul of candy that night. And if I had a small child this year I would be walking down the street with a fat /midget man and a sack full of candy. Have fun with your children today. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween you can still just spend time with the kids. Play dress up with them sometimes. Let the kid inside of you be free just for a short time. Enjoy yourself..
Have a great day!
Patsy
Spooky Night
Oh me Oh My a ghost
no ship but I see coming a pirate
their breath the scent of candy
away they scramble with frightening cries
Look across the moon flies a witch
and dangled from it's web a spider!
a huge black and spotted spider
watch as it wiggles towards the ghost
swatted now by the broom of the littlest witch
gobbled down by the skinny pirate
way down in the swamp an animal cries
here all the cries are for candy
bowls and cauldrons filled with candy
webs hanging low woven by a fat plastic spider.
oh No a pink clad princess cries
to a hangman and a green ghost
Run away screams the pirate
as from the darkness flies a blond witch
she's skinny for a witch
we should stuff her with candy
we could sell her to the pirate
or feed her to the spider
give her to me moans the ghost
we laugh at her cries
we cackle at the echo of her cries
we admire the warted nose of the witch
what a pitiful ghost
begging for more candy
trembling before the huge spider
holding tight to the hand of his sister pirate
Pirate after treasure less Pirate
all afraid of the haunting cries
squatting low under the web tangled spider
keeping their eye on the witch
clutching their sacks and buckets of candy
daringly unafraid of the ghost
This years best was a Pirate, the scariest was a witch
our ears ached with the cries for more and more candy
Till the only spooks beneath the spider on our porch, was our own little ghost.
~a sestina~
written by: Patricia Sawyer
10-12-2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I dream I am writing....
"If I fall asleep with a pen in my hand, don't remove it - I might be writing in my dreams."
~ Danzae Pace
"Two phrases for you to see what you can do with Green sweater, and rocking chair." ~Anonymous
"If you need some more words...when you have time try these"... ~ Sunshine
~ computer, laugh, forty, April, late, Denver, sweet, children, weight
I love this first quote.. Sometimes I dream I am writing and I Jump from bed and try to remember what I was writing in my dream. I have started keeping a pen and paper next to my bed. Tonight I am sharing two more poems. The first is from the word prompts Green sweater and rocking chair sent to me anonymously. The second is from a word list by one of my most faithful readers, sunshine. I hope you enjoy these two poems. The first one is also acrostic. Reading down the edge, the first letters also have a message. Please enjoy! Have a great day!
Patsy
I Love You Daddy!
Daylight almost always found you
~ Bible in hand rocking by the fire.
Already you had done more than some
~ men do in a day and were about to leave for work.
Doing the work of two men Half your age
~ a factory slave for most of your life.
Daring to marry a young 'un they said wouldn't stay
~ staying together to raise eight. Praying us grown.
You left to soon you know. That Sunday before day
~ Bible at hand, Sitting in your chair. One Last I love you.
I wanted to tell you so many things.
~ I wanted to ask you more questions.
Longing for you. Sometimes I smell your cigar
~ and I feel that you are near.
One of the cool breezes I feel touch me.
~ If I turned would you be there?
Very Likely wearing that Dark green sweater
~ that Mama knitted and you wore so often.
Every day I think of you rocking
~ eyes sometimes closed but not asleep.
Yes, I know you loved every one of us.
~ your children, your brothers, sister, Wife.
One day, we are taught, that we will meet again
~ in Heaven where some circles will be broken.
Until then we miss you Daddy. Mama is lonely
~ and I just wanted to say Daddy I love you!
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-16-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fainthearted
Fainthearted need not apply
I read from the want adds
I was wanting a change
A diversion, adventure.
Forty pounds over weight.
Sweet children all grown.
I couldn't even make me laugh.
Nothing but a baseball game
on the box across the room.
Another Lonely woman
sitting in front of the computer.
My home town lie of Denver.
The job I just don't have.
On here I can be anyone.
From anywhere. Any place.
I can even say my early is late.
I can be April or May or Lisa Marie.
Or another girl outside your gate.
Fainthearted?Oh no! Not I.
But don't expect an application
from this bored old gal.
Cause I ain't looking to be used,
abused, stolen from or die!
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
~ Danzae Pace
"Two phrases for you to see what you can do with Green sweater, and rocking chair." ~Anonymous
"If you need some more words...when you have time try these"... ~ Sunshine
~ computer, laugh, forty, April, late, Denver, sweet, children, weight
I love this first quote.. Sometimes I dream I am writing and I Jump from bed and try to remember what I was writing in my dream. I have started keeping a pen and paper next to my bed. Tonight I am sharing two more poems. The first is from the word prompts Green sweater and rocking chair sent to me anonymously. The second is from a word list by one of my most faithful readers, sunshine. I hope you enjoy these two poems. The first one is also acrostic. Reading down the edge, the first letters also have a message. Please enjoy! Have a great day!
Patsy
I Love You Daddy!
Daylight almost always found you
~ Bible in hand rocking by the fire.
Already you had done more than some
~ men do in a day and were about to leave for work.
Doing the work of two men Half your age
~ a factory slave for most of your life.
Daring to marry a young 'un they said wouldn't stay
~ staying together to raise eight. Praying us grown.
You left to soon you know. That Sunday before day
~ Bible at hand, Sitting in your chair. One Last I love you.
I wanted to tell you so many things.
~ I wanted to ask you more questions.
Longing for you. Sometimes I smell your cigar
~ and I feel that you are near.
One of the cool breezes I feel touch me.
~ If I turned would you be there?
Very Likely wearing that Dark green sweater
~ that Mama knitted and you wore so often.
Every day I think of you rocking
~ eyes sometimes closed but not asleep.
Yes, I know you loved every one of us.
~ your children, your brothers, sister, Wife.
One day, we are taught, that we will meet again
~ in Heaven where some circles will be broken.
Until then we miss you Daddy. Mama is lonely
~ and I just wanted to say Daddy I love you!
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-16-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fainthearted
Fainthearted need not apply
I read from the want adds
I was wanting a change
A diversion, adventure.
Forty pounds over weight.
Sweet children all grown.
I couldn't even make me laugh.
Nothing but a baseball game
on the box across the room.
Another Lonely woman
sitting in front of the computer.
My home town lie of Denver.
The job I just don't have.
On here I can be anyone.
From anywhere. Any place.
I can even say my early is late.
I can be April or May or Lisa Marie.
Or another girl outside your gate.
Fainthearted?Oh no! Not I.
But don't expect an application
from this bored old gal.
Cause I ain't looking to be used,
abused, stolen from or die!
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Children of Uganda
“The children of Uganda are asking for survival, they are asking for peace.”
~ from the Invisible Children documentary
"They abducted all five of us boys at the same time. I was the fifth one. . . . We were told by the LRA not to think about home, about our mother or father. If we did, then they would kill us. Better to think now that I am a soldier fighting to liberate the country. We were all tied up and attached to one another in a row. After we were tied up, they started to beat us ; they beat us up with sticks.” ~from a twelve year old child in Uganda who was abducted
“If a person dreams alone, it remains nothing but a dream. But when a people dream together, that dream can become a reality." ~ African Proverb
Today's Poem is for the children of Uganda who have been, for many years, surviving every day life in a war torn world. Many of them were kidnapped from their families and forced to become tiny soldiers for "This Lord’s Resistance Army" led by Joseph Kony. For years war has raged in Uganda. The Resistance army against the government. The government promised it's people protection but found itself to be helpless when It came to the actual Protecting of it's people. War in itself is bad, but this conflict has been going on for 20 years with no resolve in sight. Thousands of children have been robbed of childhood and, in many cases, of life itself. Boys and girls are turned into ruthless killers who no longer feel, but are numb inside, and their souls have become seared by the awful things they have seen and have been forced to take part in. Children 10 years old are taught to kill, often beginning with their own families. Others are killed and a child is allowed to live and then the child is ordered to kill to stay alive. The children who do escape, will never be the same again.
Some kind of peace has existed in the North of Uganda for about two years now , but the scars of war still remain where so much anger and violence have been for over 20 years. Over 30,000 children were abducted from villages and schools. Kidnapped children were brainwashed to kill, rape, torture, often times their own families. Rage and fear ruled there for many years, where 2 1/2 million people are refugees in their own country, living in crowded camps, packed into pitiful housing, lack of farming space, lack of hospitals, doctors and so much more that we take for granted each day. We don't realize how lucky we are. Our children cry out for new clothes and fancy cars. Those children cry out for Life. Please remember these children in your thoughts, your dreams and your prayers. Their are many different organizations who collect money for the needs of the surviving youth . Give if you can! Be thankful! Have a wonderful day.
Patsy
http://www.childrenburdencentre.org/partnership.html
I Dare to Dream
Sometimes I dare to dream
of grasslands where
we ran free. Laughing.
Playing together before
the fall of darkness.
Singing with our brothers
the songs of children.
Happy songs. Life songs.
Sometimes I dare to dream
of my mama's face.
A smiling face. Trusting
me to tend the babies
or to go to the well
for water. Sending me
to do things for her.
Her dark eyes following.
Sometimes I dare to dream
Of sleeping in my family's hut.
Of sleeping at night instead of running
and hiding from those who would
snatch me from my family's care.
The ones who would demand I kill or be killed.
Who would torture even the smallest.
Our stolen childhood their greatest joy.
Sometimes I dare to dream
of an education. Worthwhile
things to teach to the young ones,
instead of the things
I have been forced to learn.
How to live and not kill.
How to love without hate.
How to touch without shame.
Sometimes I dare to dream
that I am still just a girl
that I have never killed another
that I have never bit my lip
to keep the screams inside
as I am taken again and again
passed from soldier to soldier
as a prize they are forced to receive.
Sometimes I dare to dream
But I always wake up
still here in my war torn land
where the lives of children
are gobbled up by the twisted
souls of evil men who cherish not
the laughter of the little ones.
Who would reach into our heads
and take away even our dreams.
Yes, Sometimes, I dare to dream!
written by:Patricia Sawyer
10-14-2008
~ from the Invisible Children documentary
"They abducted all five of us boys at the same time. I was the fifth one. . . . We were told by the LRA not to think about home, about our mother or father. If we did, then they would kill us. Better to think now that I am a soldier fighting to liberate the country. We were all tied up and attached to one another in a row. After we were tied up, they started to beat us ; they beat us up with sticks.” ~from a twelve year old child in Uganda who was abducted
“If a person dreams alone, it remains nothing but a dream. But when a people dream together, that dream can become a reality." ~ African Proverb
Today's Poem is for the children of Uganda who have been, for many years, surviving every day life in a war torn world. Many of them were kidnapped from their families and forced to become tiny soldiers for "This Lord’s Resistance Army" led by Joseph Kony. For years war has raged in Uganda. The Resistance army against the government. The government promised it's people protection but found itself to be helpless when It came to the actual Protecting of it's people. War in itself is bad, but this conflict has been going on for 20 years with no resolve in sight. Thousands of children have been robbed of childhood and, in many cases, of life itself. Boys and girls are turned into ruthless killers who no longer feel, but are numb inside, and their souls have become seared by the awful things they have seen and have been forced to take part in. Children 10 years old are taught to kill, often beginning with their own families. Others are killed and a child is allowed to live and then the child is ordered to kill to stay alive. The children who do escape, will never be the same again.
Some kind of peace has existed in the North of Uganda for about two years now , but the scars of war still remain where so much anger and violence have been for over 20 years. Over 30,000 children were abducted from villages and schools. Kidnapped children were brainwashed to kill, rape, torture, often times their own families. Rage and fear ruled there for many years, where 2 1/2 million people are refugees in their own country, living in crowded camps, packed into pitiful housing, lack of farming space, lack of hospitals, doctors and so much more that we take for granted each day. We don't realize how lucky we are. Our children cry out for new clothes and fancy cars. Those children cry out for Life. Please remember these children in your thoughts, your dreams and your prayers. Their are many different organizations who collect money for the needs of the surviving youth . Give if you can! Be thankful! Have a wonderful day.
Patsy
http://www.childrenburdencentre.org/partnership.html
I Dare to Dream
Sometimes I dare to dream
of grasslands where
we ran free. Laughing.
Playing together before
the fall of darkness.
Singing with our brothers
the songs of children.
Happy songs. Life songs.
Sometimes I dare to dream
of my mama's face.
A smiling face. Trusting
me to tend the babies
or to go to the well
for water. Sending me
to do things for her.
Her dark eyes following.
Sometimes I dare to dream
Of sleeping in my family's hut.
Of sleeping at night instead of running
and hiding from those who would
snatch me from my family's care.
The ones who would demand I kill or be killed.
Who would torture even the smallest.
Our stolen childhood their greatest joy.
Sometimes I dare to dream
of an education. Worthwhile
things to teach to the young ones,
instead of the things
I have been forced to learn.
How to live and not kill.
How to love without hate.
How to touch without shame.
Sometimes I dare to dream
that I am still just a girl
that I have never killed another
that I have never bit my lip
to keep the screams inside
as I am taken again and again
passed from soldier to soldier
as a prize they are forced to receive.
Sometimes I dare to dream
But I always wake up
still here in my war torn land
where the lives of children
are gobbled up by the twisted
souls of evil men who cherish not
the laughter of the little ones.
Who would reach into our heads
and take away even our dreams.
Yes, Sometimes, I dare to dream!
written by:Patricia Sawyer
10-14-2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How this Old House became My Home!
“He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet)
"The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” ~ Dorothy Parker
“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” ~ Unknown
August 1992~
I was so ready to move. I never thought I'd ever want to move. But here I was hoping and praying and planning to move. I had no plans for where. But I knew that there had to be a house somewhere that we could find. Lord Knows we had already lived in half of the rentals in Barnwell. The Huggins' had made our stay with them wonderful. But I was ready to move. A fresh start for me and the kids. A new page in our books. This time I was ready.
I brought home boxes from the liquor store, Small really for moving with, But perfect for the little ones to help pack with. And Pack they did. They packed toys and books and their little shoes. Then they unpacked and packed and unpacked again. Emily was two and Cooper was four. We had been in the Huggins house since right after Emily was born. To them the idea of moving was a game. but they played it well. They packed for days. They packed through the end of the school year, and unpacked between Em's visits to the cancer clinic Columbia. They packed and Unpacked all their stuff a million times right on through the lawyers and the divorce, they packed.
Anthony knew I wanted to move. He and I had talked. He really liked where we already lived.
He liked his room and the pond out back. He even liked Mrs. and Mr Huggins. But, he knew a move would do me good too. He and I would play Mario at night while the babies slept and we'd talk. He and I hadn't packed anything yet But we knew we were going to move. I was ready and he was Anthony, so he was, as always, ready to do what ever I needed.
The old blue house looked like someone had tossed it there crooked and tilted. Some boards missing on the side and the door missing a hinge. I wanted to cry as we sat there looking at it but I wouldn't dare do that in front of my Kids. I had searched Barnwell over for a house. It didn't have to be a big house. It didn't have to be a fancy house. But we couldn't move with out a house.
And I was at the end of my rope. I was down to the last known empty house. And parked here I could see why. I saw the look of Horror On Anthony's face and almost drove away. But I had lived in some pretty bad houses. And I knew that a lot of things could be fixed.
"Come on", I said. "We ain't seeing it really from here." "We need to see the inside". I didn't figure it would be locked. Anthony ran up the busted block steps and called back that it was open. I pulled the Little ones from the car seats, standing first Cooper, then Emily on the ground. "Go get Bubba", I told Cooper. He ran off up the steps reaching for Anthony to lift him over the top one that was just a row of ragged busted blocks.
Taking Emily by the hand I climbed the steps myself. Handing her over to Anthony at the top as I muttered under my breath to God or to who ever might be listening.
" Come on Now! Ya Know I need a house!" Then in a softer tone.
" Please God, my kids need a home!"
"Mama, it has wood heat!" Anthony yelled from inside as I stepped into the kitchen. I couldn't see him but knew he was somewhere close by with Cooper. Emily was right there with me so I was able to relax and look at the awfulness of this, the very last empty house. Wood heat would never do. Emily wouldn't be able to handle the fumes. I could see that the kitchen was terrible. That's where I stood open mouthed and fighting tears.
"The bath tub is Busted, and the house goes all the way round this wall." Anthony said appearing in a different door than the one he left in. " Not much to see." he added. I knew he hated it. I knew I hated it too. But I was determined to move. I was going to give it a good looking over.
"HOME!" Emily yelled waving out the window. " In a minute!" I answered. "HOME!" she yelled again pulling Cooper along behind her. "HOME" they screamed together. Anthony tried to shush her.. "Not Now!" he said. "mama's thinking, We'll go in a minute."
It was all I could do not to break down and cry right then. My youngest yelling for home and here I stood in my last hope. And this house was hopeless. The tub had a hole in it. I had looked all four rooms over and to be honest I couldn't tell what was supposed to be in any room other than the kitchen. Four square rooms. All having slanted , sinking floors. Hardwood by the looks of things under the dirt but they were sinking and slanted. the walls looked like they folded the floors right up along the walls halfway and finished it out with cardboard. I know that it wasn't cardboard, but that's what it appeared to be there in the Late, Thursday, afternoon light.
"Take the babies outside" I told Anthony. "I'll be out in a minute." I added, hoping he couldn't see my shoulders shaking. I was crying. I hadn't cried in a long time. But this house had made me cry. I felt sorry for the house. I really did. To be so un-loved. So un-cared for, un-wanted. I really felt sorry for the house. I understood it's pain. Now I know that sounds crazy. I even thought I was crazy for a minute myself. But I knew that I could never and would never live in this house. This lonely old Blue house with wood heat and a busted tub was not to be our home. " Jesus", I fussed at myself. "what are you thinking! You know better than this. You have a garden Planted.. You aren't going to give up your squash and butter beans for this.... " I shook my head and laughed at myself..
"EMILY?" I heard Anthony call. "Where are you going? COME BACK HERE!" "Home, Home, Home!" she sang back at us as I stepped out onto the busted block steps. "Home, Home Home!" Cooper joined in running to catch her as she went around the side of the house and disappeared into a tangle of vines and brambles. "Home, Home, Home,HOOOOOMME!" they sang as Anthony and I fought our bodies through the bushes to see the two of them climbing steps to a Porch.
I bet I said Oh shit a hundred times as Anthony ran to get them and I fought to untangle my hair from the thorns of a popcorn tree. I just knew that they had disturbed some body. I Just knew some body would throw open the door and demand to know why my three children were on their porch. But none of that happened. My hair untangled just as if the tree turned me loose. Emily Threw her head back and closed her eyes. Her, not quiet red, curls bobbing in the hot August wind.. She began to spin around and sing, "Home, Home, Home." Cooper Jumped off the porch and ran around the side of this hidden house screaming like a demon. "HOME ! HOME ! MINE AND EMMYSHUE HOME!"
I stood in total awe. Had two of my babies lost their ever loving minds at the same time. Anthony hustled to catch Coop and I caught a hold of Emily and started to drag her away hoping that who-ever lived here was gone for the day.
Anthony was quiet on the way home. He kept shaking his head as if he was convincing himself that I wouldn't move them to that awful, awful house. He had helped plant the garden and I knew he didn't want to leave that behind. He had found him a syrup tree in the ditch and dragged it home. He wondered if syrup would even grow at that old ugly blue house. He would move if I said so But I knew by the "Holder" set of his jaw that he wasn't going to make it easy for me.
I waited a few days before I called Mr. Williams. I had decided that if he would fix a few things I could make it in the ugly house. The steps and the tub were first on the list. Would he buy paint. And the broken windows, Those of course, had to be repaired. I had my list all figured out. The house was still awful, But I still felt sorry for it. And it was close to the hospital. That made it a plus for me.
Mr. Williams wouldn't buy paint. He told me standing behind his lonely old house. He said people always told him they would paint.. But didn't. He would fix the windows. But he wasn't putting in a new tub. "In fact" he added "maybe, I better not rent to a single Mother at all. Y'all are always too much trouble!" "But Ya might check with the man Up there" he said pointing toward the road to an office, " he owns the old place next door."
"Home" I heard my babies singing in my mind. "Home, Home, Home!" I remembered Emily spinning in the sun. "HOME FOR ME AND EMMMMMMY SHUEEEEEE!" I thought of Cooper screaming. And I it was then that I knew.
It wasn't easy to find. And believe me the battle wasn't won. Mr Griner wasn't real interested in a single Mom either. It took me days to convince him. Then he wasn't about to let anyone move into his property until it had been properly inspected and gone over with a fine tooth comb. He had to have two months rent and a security deposit too. But I came up with them. I sold and saved. If I didn't need it, I sold it. If this house had one, I sold mine. And we all Packed. And I prayed. I prayed I could afford it. I prayed the heat would work. And we packed!
I've been here for years now. With Anthony's syrup tree and Grandma Blacks rose bush and so many plants that we dragged along with us. I was so ready to move. I just wanted a fresh start. I was just looking for a house.
The children are all grown Now. Mine and the ones that came later with Dave. All the children who have come and gone. And believe me we know all the things wrong with our house. The leaky roof and the heat that sometimes doesn't. But No matter to me. Because every time I leave, I miss it. And every time I come up the driveway and spot the thorny tree that held my Hair... I am reminded, Reminded of children singing and Little girls spinning in a hot August sun. I am reminded of Houses I lived in before and all the good things about them. And the bad things too. But Most of all I am reminded That The Lord does bless me. How he showed my Babies a way through the brambles. And gave them words to sing. I am always reminded of every good time this house saw us through. I am reminded that we are never alone... I am reminded! And that is how this old house became my Home!
October 2008~
I love this place. I swing at night in my swing chair and feel at peace. My Journey to find HOME was a long one. Finally, I feel as if this is home. I have felt it ever since I first scrambled through the brambles in search of my youngest two. I hope that where ever you are tonight you too are at peace. Have a great night!
Patsy
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet)
"The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” ~ Dorothy Parker
“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” ~ Unknown
August 1992~
I was so ready to move. I never thought I'd ever want to move. But here I was hoping and praying and planning to move. I had no plans for where. But I knew that there had to be a house somewhere that we could find. Lord Knows we had already lived in half of the rentals in Barnwell. The Huggins' had made our stay with them wonderful. But I was ready to move. A fresh start for me and the kids. A new page in our books. This time I was ready.
I brought home boxes from the liquor store, Small really for moving with, But perfect for the little ones to help pack with. And Pack they did. They packed toys and books and their little shoes. Then they unpacked and packed and unpacked again. Emily was two and Cooper was four. We had been in the Huggins house since right after Emily was born. To them the idea of moving was a game. but they played it well. They packed for days. They packed through the end of the school year, and unpacked between Em's visits to the cancer clinic Columbia. They packed and Unpacked all their stuff a million times right on through the lawyers and the divorce, they packed.
Anthony knew I wanted to move. He and I had talked. He really liked where we already lived.
He liked his room and the pond out back. He even liked Mrs. and Mr Huggins. But, he knew a move would do me good too. He and I would play Mario at night while the babies slept and we'd talk. He and I hadn't packed anything yet But we knew we were going to move. I was ready and he was Anthony, so he was, as always, ready to do what ever I needed.
The old blue house looked like someone had tossed it there crooked and tilted. Some boards missing on the side and the door missing a hinge. I wanted to cry as we sat there looking at it but I wouldn't dare do that in front of my Kids. I had searched Barnwell over for a house. It didn't have to be a big house. It didn't have to be a fancy house. But we couldn't move with out a house.
And I was at the end of my rope. I was down to the last known empty house. And parked here I could see why. I saw the look of Horror On Anthony's face and almost drove away. But I had lived in some pretty bad houses. And I knew that a lot of things could be fixed.
"Come on", I said. "We ain't seeing it really from here." "We need to see the inside". I didn't figure it would be locked. Anthony ran up the busted block steps and called back that it was open. I pulled the Little ones from the car seats, standing first Cooper, then Emily on the ground. "Go get Bubba", I told Cooper. He ran off up the steps reaching for Anthony to lift him over the top one that was just a row of ragged busted blocks.
Taking Emily by the hand I climbed the steps myself. Handing her over to Anthony at the top as I muttered under my breath to God or to who ever might be listening.
" Come on Now! Ya Know I need a house!" Then in a softer tone.
" Please God, my kids need a home!"
"Mama, it has wood heat!" Anthony yelled from inside as I stepped into the kitchen. I couldn't see him but knew he was somewhere close by with Cooper. Emily was right there with me so I was able to relax and look at the awfulness of this, the very last empty house. Wood heat would never do. Emily wouldn't be able to handle the fumes. I could see that the kitchen was terrible. That's where I stood open mouthed and fighting tears.
"The bath tub is Busted, and the house goes all the way round this wall." Anthony said appearing in a different door than the one he left in. " Not much to see." he added. I knew he hated it. I knew I hated it too. But I was determined to move. I was going to give it a good looking over.
"HOME!" Emily yelled waving out the window. " In a minute!" I answered. "HOME!" she yelled again pulling Cooper along behind her. "HOME" they screamed together. Anthony tried to shush her.. "Not Now!" he said. "mama's thinking, We'll go in a minute."
It was all I could do not to break down and cry right then. My youngest yelling for home and here I stood in my last hope. And this house was hopeless. The tub had a hole in it. I had looked all four rooms over and to be honest I couldn't tell what was supposed to be in any room other than the kitchen. Four square rooms. All having slanted , sinking floors. Hardwood by the looks of things under the dirt but they were sinking and slanted. the walls looked like they folded the floors right up along the walls halfway and finished it out with cardboard. I know that it wasn't cardboard, but that's what it appeared to be there in the Late, Thursday, afternoon light.
"Take the babies outside" I told Anthony. "I'll be out in a minute." I added, hoping he couldn't see my shoulders shaking. I was crying. I hadn't cried in a long time. But this house had made me cry. I felt sorry for the house. I really did. To be so un-loved. So un-cared for, un-wanted. I really felt sorry for the house. I understood it's pain. Now I know that sounds crazy. I even thought I was crazy for a minute myself. But I knew that I could never and would never live in this house. This lonely old Blue house with wood heat and a busted tub was not to be our home. " Jesus", I fussed at myself. "what are you thinking! You know better than this. You have a garden Planted.. You aren't going to give up your squash and butter beans for this.... " I shook my head and laughed at myself..
"EMILY?" I heard Anthony call. "Where are you going? COME BACK HERE!" "Home, Home, Home!" she sang back at us as I stepped out onto the busted block steps. "Home, Home Home!" Cooper joined in running to catch her as she went around the side of the house and disappeared into a tangle of vines and brambles. "Home, Home, Home,HOOOOOMME!" they sang as Anthony and I fought our bodies through the bushes to see the two of them climbing steps to a Porch.
I bet I said Oh shit a hundred times as Anthony ran to get them and I fought to untangle my hair from the thorns of a popcorn tree. I just knew that they had disturbed some body. I Just knew some body would throw open the door and demand to know why my three children were on their porch. But none of that happened. My hair untangled just as if the tree turned me loose. Emily Threw her head back and closed her eyes. Her, not quiet red, curls bobbing in the hot August wind.. She began to spin around and sing, "Home, Home, Home." Cooper Jumped off the porch and ran around the side of this hidden house screaming like a demon. "HOME ! HOME ! MINE AND EMMYSHUE HOME!"
I stood in total awe. Had two of my babies lost their ever loving minds at the same time. Anthony hustled to catch Coop and I caught a hold of Emily and started to drag her away hoping that who-ever lived here was gone for the day.
Anthony was quiet on the way home. He kept shaking his head as if he was convincing himself that I wouldn't move them to that awful, awful house. He had helped plant the garden and I knew he didn't want to leave that behind. He had found him a syrup tree in the ditch and dragged it home. He wondered if syrup would even grow at that old ugly blue house. He would move if I said so But I knew by the "Holder" set of his jaw that he wasn't going to make it easy for me.
I waited a few days before I called Mr. Williams. I had decided that if he would fix a few things I could make it in the ugly house. The steps and the tub were first on the list. Would he buy paint. And the broken windows, Those of course, had to be repaired. I had my list all figured out. The house was still awful, But I still felt sorry for it. And it was close to the hospital. That made it a plus for me.
Mr. Williams wouldn't buy paint. He told me standing behind his lonely old house. He said people always told him they would paint.. But didn't. He would fix the windows. But he wasn't putting in a new tub. "In fact" he added "maybe, I better not rent to a single Mother at all. Y'all are always too much trouble!" "But Ya might check with the man Up there" he said pointing toward the road to an office, " he owns the old place next door."
"Home" I heard my babies singing in my mind. "Home, Home, Home!" I remembered Emily spinning in the sun. "HOME FOR ME AND EMMMMMMY SHUEEEEEE!" I thought of Cooper screaming. And I it was then that I knew.
It wasn't easy to find. And believe me the battle wasn't won. Mr Griner wasn't real interested in a single Mom either. It took me days to convince him. Then he wasn't about to let anyone move into his property until it had been properly inspected and gone over with a fine tooth comb. He had to have two months rent and a security deposit too. But I came up with them. I sold and saved. If I didn't need it, I sold it. If this house had one, I sold mine. And we all Packed. And I prayed. I prayed I could afford it. I prayed the heat would work. And we packed!
I've been here for years now. With Anthony's syrup tree and Grandma Blacks rose bush and so many plants that we dragged along with us. I was so ready to move. I just wanted a fresh start. I was just looking for a house.
The children are all grown Now. Mine and the ones that came later with Dave. All the children who have come and gone. And believe me we know all the things wrong with our house. The leaky roof and the heat that sometimes doesn't. But No matter to me. Because every time I leave, I miss it. And every time I come up the driveway and spot the thorny tree that held my Hair... I am reminded, Reminded of children singing and Little girls spinning in a hot August sun. I am reminded of Houses I lived in before and all the good things about them. And the bad things too. But Most of all I am reminded That The Lord does bless me. How he showed my Babies a way through the brambles. And gave them words to sing. I am always reminded of every good time this house saw us through. I am reminded that we are never alone... I am reminded! And that is how this old house became my Home!
October 2008~
I love this place. I swing at night in my swing chair and feel at peace. My Journey to find HOME was a long one. Finally, I feel as if this is home. I have felt it ever since I first scrambled through the brambles in search of my youngest two. I hope that where ever you are tonight you too are at peace. Have a great night!
Patsy
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sometimes Poems turn Dark.
"The road to hell is paved with adverbs." ~ Stephen King
"We live in an age when pizza gets to your home before the police. "~ Jeff Marder
"My sweet sister, here is a list for you. hands, attendance, four, love, monkey, always, girls, prize, dream, silly putty, - I can't wait."~ Reuben
Today as I was trying to work with a list given to me by my Youngest brother, Things took a dark turn. Now don't worry. I'm fine. I don't mean that things turned dark for me. I'd just run the darkness away. But the poem took on a dark quality. Sometimes words will do that to you. Looking over the list I could have written several poems and being me I most likely will. But this first one has dark edges. Yet in a weird way this poem is a true reflection of the way things often work in the world we now live in. I hope you enjoy it and read with an open mind even if you really don't like dark poetry. The second poem Posted today I think will be special to The Brother who gave me this list. Do you know where we were? I bet you do. He bowed to every one of us that day.. do you remember? I hope all who visit here enjoy my poems today. I am out of lists for now. Readers feel free to send me a list of up to ten words... Normal every day words.. Have a great Day!
Patsy
Trial By Jury
Hands cuffed, Ankles
chained like a monster
he looked around
at everyone in attendance.
So many people cared.
But not for him.
Not for the first ones.
Poor victims, went unnoticed.
White trash ignored.
He had heard them say
Bad girls had it coming.
Dizzying, All these people!
"My sweet sister" he thought.
My only friend. Taken
by the drugs. Ten he was then.
No family to care.
He had no peers.
Making monkey motions
at the jury, four men
and eight girls. Why?
Always more girls.
He liked girls. He had
been considered a prize
by all the pretty girls.
Then he had turned
their dream into a nightmare.
Their lives twisted like
newspaper cartoons
on pink silly putty.
One too many.
A mayor's daughter
people got scared.
Already convicted
He was grateful!
Death their verdict.
" I can't wait!", his reply.
He should have stayed
out of the rich neighborhood.
Death would set him free.
Free from the darkness
that tainted his very soul.
His heart was thankful
for his Trial by Jury!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-27-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobby's Last Dance
Looking at his hands
praying no one noticed
how they trembled.
He was feeling his age.
Life catching up with him.
Needing a left handed smoke.
He had peaked out back
Every one was in attendance.
Nosy bunch. His sisters kids.
Bull dogs he had called them.
The Girls weren't too bad,
he almost liked one of them.
But those four boys. Bull dogs.
Even he had been bitten.
Fighters every single one.
Better left alone.
Made him proud to be kin.
They would argue over his gift.
Him making monkey faces
as they fought to get his dishrags
with his hard earned money
hidden away on the inside.
She always wrapped them for him
laughing together like old times
as they chose her prettiest paper.
He loved her like no one else.
"Oh my sweet sister!" he smiled
thinking about their life. Twins.
Her husband was a wonderful man.
Their love for each other pure.
He had never found the dream
love they shared. He had tried.
God knows he had tried.
"Hurry up!" his Partner called.
"We need you to Dance."
Strut Miss Lucy. A children's game.
Every year they played silly games
But he liked getting the prizes.
With a wink and a nod at himself
He slipped his silly putty
back inside his front pocket.
"I can't wait" He yelled.
He knew he owned that game.
He danced through the house
down the walkway and across the yard.
Then Bowing to his partner
he stepped out into the joy
of Bobby's Last dance.
Written By:Patricia Sawyer
10-27-2008
"We live in an age when pizza gets to your home before the police. "~ Jeff Marder
"My sweet sister, here is a list for you. hands, attendance, four, love, monkey, always, girls, prize, dream, silly putty, - I can't wait."~ Reuben
Today as I was trying to work with a list given to me by my Youngest brother, Things took a dark turn. Now don't worry. I'm fine. I don't mean that things turned dark for me. I'd just run the darkness away. But the poem took on a dark quality. Sometimes words will do that to you. Looking over the list I could have written several poems and being me I most likely will. But this first one has dark edges. Yet in a weird way this poem is a true reflection of the way things often work in the world we now live in. I hope you enjoy it and read with an open mind even if you really don't like dark poetry. The second poem Posted today I think will be special to The Brother who gave me this list. Do you know where we were? I bet you do. He bowed to every one of us that day.. do you remember? I hope all who visit here enjoy my poems today. I am out of lists for now. Readers feel free to send me a list of up to ten words... Normal every day words.. Have a great Day!
Patsy
Trial By Jury
Hands cuffed, Ankles
chained like a monster
he looked around
at everyone in attendance.
So many people cared.
But not for him.
Not for the first ones.
Poor victims, went unnoticed.
White trash ignored.
He had heard them say
Bad girls had it coming.
Dizzying, All these people!
"My sweet sister" he thought.
My only friend. Taken
by the drugs. Ten he was then.
No family to care.
He had no peers.
Making monkey motions
at the jury, four men
and eight girls. Why?
Always more girls.
He liked girls. He had
been considered a prize
by all the pretty girls.
Then he had turned
their dream into a nightmare.
Their lives twisted like
newspaper cartoons
on pink silly putty.
One too many.
A mayor's daughter
people got scared.
Already convicted
He was grateful!
Death their verdict.
" I can't wait!", his reply.
He should have stayed
out of the rich neighborhood.
Death would set him free.
Free from the darkness
that tainted his very soul.
His heart was thankful
for his Trial by Jury!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-27-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobby's Last Dance
Looking at his hands
praying no one noticed
how they trembled.
He was feeling his age.
Life catching up with him.
Needing a left handed smoke.
He had peaked out back
Every one was in attendance.
Nosy bunch. His sisters kids.
Bull dogs he had called them.
The Girls weren't too bad,
he almost liked one of them.
But those four boys. Bull dogs.
Even he had been bitten.
Fighters every single one.
Better left alone.
Made him proud to be kin.
They would argue over his gift.
Him making monkey faces
as they fought to get his dishrags
with his hard earned money
hidden away on the inside.
She always wrapped them for him
laughing together like old times
as they chose her prettiest paper.
He loved her like no one else.
"Oh my sweet sister!" he smiled
thinking about their life. Twins.
Her husband was a wonderful man.
Their love for each other pure.
He had never found the dream
love they shared. He had tried.
God knows he had tried.
"Hurry up!" his Partner called.
"We need you to Dance."
Strut Miss Lucy. A children's game.
Every year they played silly games
But he liked getting the prizes.
With a wink and a nod at himself
He slipped his silly putty
back inside his front pocket.
"I can't wait" He yelled.
He knew he owned that game.
He danced through the house
down the walkway and across the yard.
Then Bowing to his partner
he stepped out into the joy
of Bobby's Last dance.
Written By:Patricia Sawyer
10-27-2008
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