Submit your work, meet writers and drop the ads. Become a member
 
  Aug 2024 CJ Sutherland
Thomas W Case
Homeless and roaming the
streets like an orphan.
It was the dead of winter, and
I was still alive—barely.
My ex-girlfriend let  
me crash on her couch for
a few days.
She didn't smoke.
I did,
so whenever I wanted  
a cigarette, I went out in
front of her
apartment and lit up.
One night, bent on nicotine,
I entered the January thaw.
As I had my  
smoke fix,
a man with a  
huge Rottweiler slowly
walked by.
The dog caught sight of
me, and gave me a low growl.
The guy talked to
his pet like he was
his best friend.
'Leave him alone, that's his home;
let him smoke.'
The dog knew better, and
glared at me.
He barked loud and viciously.
'Leave that poor man alone.
Let him enjoy his cigarette,
that's his home, '  the man said.
A small dog began  
yapping in the distance.
The man said,
'Oh great, you've upset that little dog.
Come on, let's go.'
The Rott gave me an evil look, and
sauntered off.
He recognized his own  
kind.
He also knew that there
was something different about me.
He could smell it,
almost taste it.
He knew I was a mongrel
and a stray.
He knew I didn't
belong.
Here's a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry.  My book Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is available on Amazon.com
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
A newfangled philosophy
Modernistic

There are people
who
look at
An
Elephant and a Mouse
But
Can’t tell
Which
one
Is
Stronger


Have you seen the picture of
An
Eagle
Sweeping in
To
Eat the
Mouse
Yet
The mouse
Stand up
Flips the bird
at the
Eagle
Last defiance

Sometimes in life,
That’s all we can do

Inspired song
1) Roxy 3 eye of the Tiger- Survivor
(official video)
YouTube
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Newfangled 8-23-24
Attracted to novelty of the newest style or kind contemporary, modern up-to-date modernistic
Not in a palace, but rather where purpose redeems,
Cinderella learnt the value of dreams.
She discovered her own brightness
amid the ashes—not by elaborate clothing, but rather with inner strength,  that's surely inspiring.

Despite the loud mocking from her step-sisters ,
she managed to rise above the superficial whispers.
Her inner personality was shown in deeds of kindness;
Her daily compass was patience and righteousness.

Her destiny wasn't sealed by the glass slipper, but it did highlight her great in  her ,
Since genuine magic exists in her heart
So bold that it sets her apart


Ler her path to encourage you to take a chance
It’s when you struggle you will find your stance
Let Cinderella's story be a reflection for you to see
That everyone of us has the ability to set ourselves free .

©Priyanka Bhagat
Lessons I learnt from reading Cinderella .... if you like this .. send me a note on the next fairy tale poem that I should write
I walked the woods today,
strolled under the quite shade of
towering old growth evergreens,
their scent upon me conveyed
simple peaceful solitude, there were
birds and squirrels unconcerned
with me, busy with their own pursuits.
A young Deer browsing raised his
antlered head for a quick peek, then went
right back to eating. For a moment I felt as
if I was the only human in the world and
that thought did not disturb me in the least.
I do not know much about
loneliness, I have never felt it.
That makes me a rather lucky
person. Perhaps even unusual.
  Aug 2024 CJ Sutherland
Carlo C Gomez
~
Precious Padma
You dearest aquatic flower
You grew in murky waters
Unblemished by its impurity
But come they did
To ****** your petals
And leave you a burning stem
Never can they take from you
The spirit of your plainsong
It continues to grow in your sisters
And in a time and season so near
They will sing your hymn
As one substantial voice
The changing winds will then
Lift it higher

~
On Thursday, December 5, 2019, a 23-year-old **** victim from Unnao, India was seized by five men, including the two people she had named in her previous complaint to the police, and beaten, stabbed and set on fire. Still ablaze, she walked nearly a mile, seeking help before finally calling the police herself. She later died in a New Delhi hospital, prompting protests of violence against women.
Next page