Submit your work, meet writers and drop the ads. Become a member
 
Apr 2023 · 161
Reciprocate in-kind
CJ Sutherland Apr 2023
I make a commitment
to each person
who will read my work.
I will reciprocate
A poem for a poem.

If you are interested in critiques,
To help you learn and grow,
I can send those privately.

I ask, only this;
Please fill out your bio.
They really do help
the reader understand
you’re point of view.
.
I would not critique
a 15 year old
In the same way
I would a 75 year old.

To fully grasp a poem
Is different from
a 20 year old than
a 50-year-old.

Every 10 years
your life
changes 100%.

The day you
were born to
age 10 is
easy to see.

Age 10 to
age 20 again
100% change
you get the picture!

So I  say,
I am in
The Second year
of my sixth life

Your bio matters,
so please, fill it out
Apr 2023 · 161
A Road Map To Salvation
CJ Sutherland Apr 2023
As I’m quickly scrolling by
Out of the corner of my eye
I see a Bible, saying or verse
The origins of everything, the universe

Quick stop! all noice, Internet chatter
Dig deeper, what’s the subject matter?
A burning desire to know more
Research books scattered on the floor.

Daily God will give me a sign
I only have to seek and I shall find
Words from the Holy Spirit filled my mind
To study, learn, and grow
Most  importantly, the thirst, to know

The Bible is the roadmap to salvation
Stories, parables, and Revelation
The last generation is upon us
People, don’t have a clue, or make a fuss

Life will pass them by
In the blink of an eye,
they won’t know, why?
In desperation, the people will cry

If , my last breath
is a martyr’s death
I will know, I’m Blissed
My soul, God will possess
The week before Easter is known as holy week not just for Catholics, but for all Christians. Each of those days were very significant in the things Jesus did yet most people don’t have a clue they’re busy with Easter egg, hunts, and filling baskets.
Mar 2023 · 528
A picture, book memoir
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
For us,
the older generation
we took pictures and videos
to remember
The seasons of our lives.
To share with generations;
grandchildren, children,
Our husbands and wives.

Sadly, as we get older
We don’t remember
our old lives
As time grows colder
The memory fades
the reasons we capture
the moment..
The names of the people
in the photographs
escape our recollection

Before it’s too late
we need to
write
at least a paragraph
  of each picture.
Before the memory is lost
from our mind completely
and then they’re just people.

These little paragraphs
added to your photo album
will create a lasting
picture book memoir

Generations
after you were gone,
Your story will live.
Even if you were never
rich and famous,
did something extraordinary,
Such as;
paint, a masterpiece, right a symphony
the point is you lived!
When you were gone and generations, ask who you were, you won’t just be a name you will show them through the photographs that you lived, and you loved.
Mar 2023 · 142
Something to Ponder
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
If                  You
 HATE
being.                        
    ­                        ALONE
   YOU
are
                 NOT
Good
COMPANY
Mar 2023 · 378
The family Circus
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
He will always be there
the serpent in the room,
Life in his burning tomb

Come one Come all
To the Family Circus

The walking Dead
Calculating numbers
in their Head

The RINGLEADER
Always in Control
Follow the Agenda
Play your Character’s part
Lose your Soul.

Come one Come all
To the Family Circus

TIGHT-ROPE WALKER
Notorious  
Boyfriend Stocker,

Always a Smile
Painted on the CLOWN,
Who hides
An Emotional Frown.

Characters
in the same sick play
year after year
Fighting Fears and Tears

Control what you Do,
Control what to Say,
Predator becomes Prey
The Eyes look Away

The Eyes are the
Windows to the Heart
Where pretend Ends
And LIFE begins
A New Start

Come one Come all
To the Family Circus

The Extravaganza
called “Perfect”
Expectations,
NOBODY Wins
Their Lives are Filled
with too many SINS

How Long do We
have to STAY
BEFORE We can
make our GETAWAY.

Come one Come all
to the Family Circus

Watch the
TRAPEZE ARTEST  
FALL,
The Absurdity
of it All

The DANCERS
on STILTS
Glide carefully
hiding their
Guilt

The MOST
Beautiful of Creatures  
Look closely
At Her Features

Looks are DECEIVING
See the Wicked Web
She is Weaving

Come, one Come all
To the Family Circus

What God do you SERVE,
What do you Think
You Deserve?
Do you Feel
The Difference
In Their CALL

The Rarest of Rare
Nearly Nonexistent ,
A True CHRISTIAN.
BELIEVER

Who Stands
ARMOR READY
to fight
The greatest Deceiver

He will tell you a Story,
Parables and Sermons
of  God’s Glory
In the HOLY SPIRIT
A Christian will drop  
To Their KNEES

Yet at the
Family Circus
They DO
As they PLEASE.

Come one Come all
To the Family Circus

The Serpent in the room,
The Albatross
around your neck

Satan waiting
in his tomb,
Burning
The Prodical  
SON returning

Come one Come all
to the Family Circus,

Here God’s CALL
Free Will
Affects
one and all.

William  Shakespeare said it best
“What a tangled web we weave
when we practice to deceive”
Mar 2023 · 419
E.E.Cummings poem
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
To be
nobody
but yourself
in a world,
that’s
doing it’s
best
to make
you
somebody else
Is to
fight
the hardest
battle
you are ever
going to
fight
STOP
fighting
EE Cummings is one of the best writers. Up in the corner of this website you can click on to the top 100 riders to get inspiration. To learn from the masters. I encourage everybody to get out of their comfort zone and try a different style. It’s not all about free verse poetry. There is structure meter and rhyme many different types of poetry
Mar 2023 · 164
A kindly caution
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
Most may have noticed by now
there are times
When you have to wait
to get on this site
Or  you don’t get on at all.
Only to try back later.
Too many users,
perhaps
Is it the Data issue!
Who knows
If you have poems on here
you don’t want to lose
Your poetry
you may want to
have a back up
Or take a copy
JUST IN CASE
The site crashes
. I’m not trying to
be an ALARMIST,
I’m a REALIST
Facebook TRIED
to issue me a new page
indicating I was a poet and
linking me to this site
is that what’s happening?
Of course
I declined
I don’t want
my poetry on Facebook
so they can sanction it.
Fact-check
Partly misinformation
BS
( excuse my language)
No thank you !!!

If the server says
502 , 503, 504 bad gateway
You can Google any 502  bad gateway
and it will give you
the reason why

there’s issues.
Have never happened
in the 25 years
I’ve been writing poetry.
On line.
Since this is not a real poem
Just acknowledge your name thumbs up if it’s happening to you, I’m curious to see how many it’s affected
Mar 2023 · 116
Whose Right’s
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
Abortion pill,
if put in pharmacies
Allowing anyone,
regardless of age
Availability
no parent supervision
REQUIRED!

Home bathrooms
in America
Are turned into an
ABORTION CENTER
without trained help

They are advertising “it’s SAFE “
“ the same as taking a Tylenol”.

A girl holding a
20 to 24 week
FETUS
in her hands
Wrapped in a ****** towel  
A Motionless, baby
(4 to 6 months old)

This young girl
told no one.
Her ***** secret
hidden
from the world
Now exposed  

Confusion, bewilderment
Her body shaking, in shock
she’s crying uncontrollably.

Ironically
She walks into a birthing center
where pregnant mothers
Are Practicing lamaze.
Preparing for the birth
of their babies
  
Scared, she looks around
For a kind face
Help and understanding
Unfortunately
They’re pregnant bellies
only adds to her pain

Clearing her throat,
her voice cracks,
choking on her tears
she yells
“what do I do with THIS?
“I was not told”
“ it was gonna be like this”!
“not what I went through”

She Tries not to remember
Vivid imagery
floods her mind
over and over in her head
She looks into the toilet to see
A head, arms, legs,
and lots of BLOOD.

Does she flush IT down?
Or scoop IT out?
try to rescue IT Or
Will IT need to be buried?
Is IT a person Or is IT trash?

Every time
she visits her home bathroom
she will relive
the horror of everything.
the totality of what happened,
sinks in. PTSD begins.

Complications,
compound the situation;,
A body part left inside,
infection, hemorrhaging,
possible loss of her own life.

A woman’s right
to CHOOSE .
One side see a BABY,
The other side, see IT
WHOSE RIGHT’S
I was shocked and reading California’s new laws, indicating a woman can **** her born child up to 30 days after she gives birth. Postpartum depression perfect example of why you should not allow that to happen and if a doctor refuses is the doctor, the one who gets arrested? We are in scary time. In the day of ***** and Gomorrah, 3000 babies were offered to the gods so far 6 million abortions have been done in the United States. We are in the time of ***** and Gomorrah!
Feb 2023 · 212
Awhile With Me
CJ Sutherland Feb 2023
Will you walk
a while with me

a loving heart,
who has eyes to see
when stars shine
over the darken sea

the quiet rest
at the end of the day
while all else sleep
I cry and pray

will you walk
a while with me

a friend who knows
and cares to say
stay strong, my dear
I am always near

sweet words that cheer
my questioning heart,
no matter how distant
we are never apart

will you walk
a while with me

in spirit, the Lord
takes my hand
with tearful eyes
I search for answers
in the kindness
of His soul

until the pain
will let me go.

Will you
walk a while
with me?
I wrote this long ago and it didn’t get any traction. I think only one reader, so I reformatted it to see if that makes a difference the original
will you walk a while for me
Jul 2022 · 471
A life in progress
CJ Sutherland Jul 2022
I have a past
However
I don’t live there
Anymore
I live in the present
God’s gift
A new day
to begin again
Tomorrow is promised
to no man
the future
is only known to
God
we are given
free will
use it wisely
I am an optimist my glass is always half full. I am told I could find happiness in Impossible situation
CJ Sutherland Jul 2022
A child stamps her feet
Holding a sign
Looking around
in  wide-eyed FEAR
Watching her mother
the entire time

A new generation
Indoctrinated
Lack of emotion
Emancipated

From rules and decorum
From respect for others
Soul less empty forum

Her mother lights a
Molotov cocktail
Holding it high,
HER holy grail
While walking
down the middle
of the street
chanting
“there is
NO Defeat”
Yelling, screaming
FISTS clenched
in the air
IT’S NOT FAIR

Her ****** expression
Hate,
Distorted
twisted,
Her kindness, and beauty
Until the evil
from inside
matched her
Outward behavior

Defiance
of logic and reason.
Her latest
tantrum
Word, *****
******
obscenities
Filled the air.
IT’S NOT FAIR

Daddy, A prisoner to
the unfolding  situation
“I’ve exhausted My patience!”
His words dwindle
in frustration

Daddy believes
” Patients belong in hospitals”
Is this another case of retribution!?
He concedes  
Offering no solution

There  comes a point ,when the person
you’ve engaged in Conversation
just won’t hear, what you have to say.
I’m right, you’re wrong, GO AWAY

What do you do?
Perhaps Ponder this
What is FAIR?
All fair means is
somebody gets what they want
while the other person
cannot contest it.

Who ever told you
life is FAIR?

It’s a CRAZY world
out there!!
Observation;
todays generation
Innocence
LOST
2020 riot I saw this on TV. They burned down a police precinct and a Federal building. No one arrested. The only thing lost that mattered, in my opinion
was a child’s innocence.
Feb 2022 · 823
Grace
CJ Sutherland Feb 2022
Thank You
God
For
This
Beautiful
Day

Thank You
God
For
Making It
Just
This
Way

Thank You
God
For
Sunshine
On my
Face.

Thank You
God
For
Your
Loving
Grace
there are those who want to silence our voicesThis is some thing I say every morning. I say each word with reverence
Feb 2022 · 487
Tracking Hacking WARNING
CJ Sutherland Feb 2022
It has been brought to my attention
that two people from
Hello poetry
are trying to track me
for purposes unknown.
My iPhone alerts
me daily of such
dangerous.
It could be quite possible
there is more than one
name of these particular individuals
but it’s something to be made aware of. Kim Johanna Baker and Pamela Ray
come up with daily tracking on my phone.
I have not posted in quite a while
so imagine my surprise
I wonder if anyone else
has come across something similar?
I have notified hello poetry.
I wanted to bring it
out in the open to other poets.
It’s quite possible  
there are more than one
of these people   on this site
with the same names.
so PLEASE
do not attack these people.
because we don’t even know
if it’s them or somebody
posing to be them.
I never thought
evil intentions  
would come to this site.
stay safe and write on!
Daily phone alerts let me know when somebody is trying to hack my phone and get personal information these people come up every day on my phone trying to get in and my phone stops them
Oct 2021 · 480
Murphy’s Law
CJ Sutherland Oct 2021
When and Where
Murphy’s Law
came into existence
I really don't care!
Who the heck is
Murphy?
And WHY does He make the laws
The loud noice of the refrigerator
Could be heard down the hall
I knew It was only a matter of time
Murphy’s Law
While in the Hospital
For my total knee replacement
Which turned out to be complicated
By removal of screws
12 inch Incision
Murphy’s Law
The pharmacy refused
to fill my pain meds because they are opids
My surgeon argued with insurance and the pharmacy while
I sat in the car 112 degrees heat
It took four days to fill meds
Use ice the pharmacy advised
Murphy’s law
The refrigerator broke
Released from the hospital
In a wheel chair I entered Best Buy
Purchased the refrigerator
that delivered quickest
Overpriced, paid too much
All the food I had went bad
Murphy’s law
My husband found out he need
Emergency Surgery for Cancer
Murphy’s law
A much needed trip to the market
To stock up, had to be done
Murphy’s law
The  Electric cart was bumpy
jerking my knee, pain spasms
The cart broke down
I was only half done
Murphy’s law
My husband needed to take a cab
Home after his surgery
as I could not drive
and he could not drive home
Murphy’s Law
The hospital would not
release him to a cab driver
I had to take a cab
to pick up my husband
Murphy’s Law
I could not get into
the cab without assistance
The cab driver was not
permitted to touch me
In tears, sliding myself
into the back seat
Murphy’s Law
The surgery center wanted
me to come inside
the cab driver said
If you get out of the car
You must pay first
then we will count the wait time
It would be considered a new fare
I stayed in the car
Murphy’s Law
It cost 68 dollars
to drive 12 minutes
plus  my husbands previous fare
we paid over 150 dollars
High way robbery
Murphy’s law
His surgery was must worse then  Anticipated plus
My knee is now infected
Both of us are unable
to help care for the other
Murphy
I like to tell you
what I think of your laws?
but I’m a Lady
Have you heard the expression
it could always be worse?
Just another day in paradise
Oct 2021 · 203
Perception
CJ Sutherland Oct 2021
An Optimus
Believes
their.                           glass
       half.                         full.
A pessimist
Believes  
their                              glass
half.                     empty.
Together
their glasses
Perfectly
Full
How do you…………… perceive the world.
The poem is in the shape of a teardrop. Or a drop of water. It’s all in the manner of How you perceive the world.
Aug 2021 · 168
Read a GOOD BOOK
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
Growing up
When we kids said
“IM BOARD”
our parent’s reply
“Read a GOOD BOOK”
Escaping to the pages for
adventure and delight
I was hooked.
A life time of reading
Excitement and anticipation.
Open the doors of
Barns and Noble
The smell of new books
permeates the air.
Close your eyes
Breath!
The quest for
Wisdom
One can learn
Anything
from a Book
The endless
Possibilities
Knowledge
Once obtained
No man can take
From you.
Paper back, hard back or
Leather bound
Text books
My favorite
Run your hand down her spine
Slowly open to feel
The ease at which
She presents her
Secrets.
The more difficult
The subject matter
The more rewarding
When you crack
Her inner truth.
That
Ah ha moment
When you grasp
The concepts
At the very foundation.
The day we stop
Seeking, Learning
Growing
Is the day
We die.
Have you read a
GOOD BOOK
LATELY !
I taught post secondary education at a technical school . 9 subjects. A two year AS Degree. I loved teaching. Helping single mother’s have a better life and career. Knowledge is a powerful tool.
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
This song, the man influenced my writing throughout my entire life
I think of it/him
often
as inspiration.;
Here’s a tale of a simple fool,
glance at a page or two
laugh ha ha
but you blush a bit
For  you realize
while you’re reading it
it’s also
reading you….

I write  myself a note each day
I place it in my hat,
a wind comes by
the hat blows high
But
that’s not the end of that.
For all around the world it goes
it lands here right beside myself
I pick it up and
I read the note
which is simply
to remind myself
I’m CJ Sutherland
that Who !
I’ve kept a journal since the age of 12
I have 40 of them Today. Writing is
who I am
it’s not WHAT  I do.
I would like to know
from everybody
who reads this
WHY DO YOU WRITE
What motivates you?
Getting to know fellow poets
Aug 2021 · 158
Life in an instant
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
We want it all
we want it now
we don’t care what
We don’t care how

How do you like it
More, more, more
Who has the most toys
we’re always keeping score

Life in a instance

Drive through food
Meals on wheels
Home delivered *****
The alarm clock on snooze

no need to leave the house
Dating!, looking for
a lazy fat louse spouse 

Flaunting  our wealth
for all to see
Are we
ugly Americans
you and me?

Ken and Barbie
has it all
is that our role model
an empty doll

When the only thing that matters
is the color of your skin
it’s all politics
no one can win

I don’t recognize America today
The things people do and say
Predator or prey
Chaos NOW reigns supreme
The evilness in a human being

When wrong is right and right is wrong
No longer a dance, no longer a song
People want to destroy it all
Libberty or Tierney
it’s your call
Every day it’s something else it’s crazy smokin line through in a day ***** and Gomorrah. I don’t know too many people who don’t believe we are in the end of days. May God have mercy on our souls
Aug 2021 · 941
A time for Rain
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
As a child
I thought  
God
was crying  
when it rained.
For several years
that sentiment
remained
Growing into youth
I believed
Angels
poured out the rain
to feed our
planet
Cleaning, polishing,
diamonds and granite.
The Man of lawlessness
Walks in the world today
destroying
God’s
creation in every way
A time will come
with no more
RAIN
people will go
insane
God‘s
wrath said
let it burn
Humans
had their turn
what did they learn!
All these fires in California worsening every year by people who are purposely setting the fires and they’re not even getting in trouble for equity they call it when wrong is right and right is wrong drastic measures need to be employed what comes next only God knows.
Aug 2021 · 309
Time is at hand- WAKE UP
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
I Died
And was sent back
My soul cried
I slipped into a coma
for four days.
My essence
amazed
In the corner
of my room
An Angel
was present
No longer a tomb
I knew
I was not alone
Much to repent
Atone
No words spoke
Yet much said
PURE LOVE
it’s all in the contents
of my head
We all have a purpose;

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Perhaps the most important
question to ponder
my dear
There is not one thing God has made that does not have a purpose. We’re just not here to buy stuff to go through the motions. There’s a purpose for each of us to the Holy Spirit all will be revealed. The time is at hand
Aug 2021 · 127
Simple truth
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
I’d rather
sit
at the children’s
table
In honest sincerity
Then
listen to
The boastful
Lies
Of grown-ups
One of my favorite things at family gatherings just to check in with the kids. I sit Indian style on the floor and talk to them all they have so much to say
Apr 2021 · 187
Oxymoron
CJ Sutherland Apr 2021
Fully.    Empty
Pretty.                     Ugly
Act                       naturally
Open.                  Secret
Group             Silence
Original.    Copy
Only choice
Liquid gas
The.         worst.  
Of                   These  
Social.                         Distancing
I saw a series of these online and I decided to make it into something food for thought anyone
I was not able to get rid of the. When I started my spacing so those little dots are not supposed to be there
Feb 2021 · 392
Valentine’s Day Challenge
CJ Sutherland Feb 2021
Valentine’s Day is upon hooray
I’m offering a little adventure
we can play
there are many heart felt poems
written in a poets book
If a poet is willing to show their work
then let’s join together and take a second look.
I have no plans to compile your poems
I just thought it would be nice to read
There are so many styles of poetry indeed
Here is my plan
Post the name of your poem  
down below
We can Sample from poets far and wide
The love poets have experienced should not hide
At our leisure one by one
we can feel a poet’s spirit of
love under the sun
And the fun begins
This is not about who wins
I’ll go first my poem

Valentine’s Day ( revised1986)
Jan 2021 · 369
A Silence is Golden
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
My third grade teacher
used this phrase often
I never understood It
BUT I knew it mean
Be quiet shush
NOW with what is going on in the world
it takes on the opposite meaning.
IF you catch my drift.

SILENCE
IS                     GOLD
SO
GET              RICH
QUICK

In the face of injustice we must stand for what we believe in
for what is morally right honest and decent
united we stand divided we will fall
there are those who want to silence our voices
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
We celebrate commercialized Holidays days
but I’m not sure why
Mother’s Day ,Father’s ,Day Valentines Day
to say I  understand would be a lie
These and other Holidays
have become so bastardized
Stores have capitalized on these days
Do people really realize!
I heard a man announce
Super Bowl Sunday is a Holiday
I laughed, until I understood, he was serious
then, I had nothing to say
Still I was curious to know
how he /we embarked along this path
Why does Society go along?,
other then a PARTY DAY, lets  do the math
Companies making money at our expense
are we board? hence
The vicious circle,
round and round,
the reasoning makes no since
Yet it seems silly
the days to observe continue to grow
And we the people are the last to know
Can we get off of this financial treadmill
before our money is gone
The growth rate of Holidays are increasing,
it all seems wrong
Yet if we don’t buy in participate
we will be considered cheep
Ridiculed, a person who doesn’t care,
branded a creep
There has to be a way
to beat the system
So what do you say?
now they are taking away all the holidays that truly matter
silence is  not golden
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
This is the hardest thing
For me to say
Harder still to have gone through
The Whole ordeal

I have COPD on oxygen
Walk with a cane
surgery set my 2nd total knee replacement

DOMESTIC ABUSE
Physical violence
Elderly abuse   
It happens to others
not me

My ***** secret
Of blame and shame
It’s my fault
if I wouldn’t have
done this or that
It wouldn’t have happened
If only

I  deserved it
Why is the negative stuff
easier to believe

My adult daughter
My only child
Love of my life
Hit me,hurt me
Beat me up
She went for my lungs punching
My knee so I couldn’t walk

Cold and calculated then because
Inadvertently scratched her
Trying to get her off of my chest
I couldn’t breath

Stunned by the scratch
She went to see what I had done
Came out with a curling iron
Beat me with it until the
medal Part broke off
on my legs and knees

She Calling the police because she had a mark
I begged her to put the phone down
I told her "you don’t think I have marks"
She wanted me to suffer in jail
With no medications

Subsequently she was arrested
Assalt with a weapon
In the end
She will blame It all on me
I’m Still trying to wrap my head
Around what happened

I’m stunned
To see  deep dark hatred
In the eyes

Of my only child
My loved one
Hatred me enough to
Get on top of me punching me
In my chest
I couldn’t breath

I have cuts and bruises  
That will fade
But most importantly
Harder still is the realization
I am not safe
around her
I’m so devastated

After reflection, contemplation
I believe
It’s stems from money
I received an inheritance
She thinks , She is entitled

When money was no longer
Forthcoming
Anger,hatred was unleashed
From the pit of hell

The flood of other events
Of bullying ,aggressive behavior
Verbal and physical
Her whole life
Came to mind

I blocked it all out
Until it was pointed out to me
I have to accept
My part in all this
I let her escape the consequences of her youth
I created a monster
With my good intentions
No one is perfect
Children do not come with an instruction manual

That being said
I did not raise her to be disrespectful
To lie,cheer, steel
Break the Ten Commandments

Although she lives a few hours away
I’m still afraid
I hate feeling helpless, weak

I dream she is
Standing over me
With a knife
Wanting to **** me

Then I wake up
I’m not coping
I need help

I’m morning the loss of
my only child
Who grew willful and wild
I can NEVER be safe around her

This realization
Has me in effect
Morning the loss
of our Relationship
Of my only child

The grandchildren
Have been a part of my life
A third parent at times
I have very strong connections
With each of them

I will not
Let her use them as pons
In her games
Hostages against me
It stops now

Her  jealousy
Loathing, dispise of me
Has only deepened through her life
I’m the reason for every bad thing that happens
No matter if I’m around or not
I love my daughter with every bit of my heart
Money the root of all evil
always walking on eggshells
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
We all have secrets we carefully hide
Things that happen
That should never be silent inside
Elderly abuse
It’s silly
I don’t think of me as old
But over the age of 55 I’m told
When your child
Hits you with hatred
Yelling  obsenities
The  derogatory comments
***** looks
Bullying
These things
Don’t just happen to children
It’s happened for many years
Worsening through the the fears
Angered by my tears
I’m trying to understand why
This happened to me
I am a strong woman
With love in my heart
My grand children
Are caught in the middle
consequence is little
you can't unring the BELL
after the shame
who would I tell
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
In the dark
Quiet sparks
Wee hours,
Of the night
lack of sleep
I fight

While millions sleep
My mind
floods
Thoughts,
Words seep

You simply can't shut,
Your brain down
Quieting the mind,
Only comes from  
Writing time

Only when,
All that must come out
Has come through,
Satisfying without a doubt
greatest peace I ever knew
there are times I can write fast enough while other times I cannot write a word nor do I want too.
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
Imagine
there is
No
God
Its easy if you try (John Lennon)

People of faith
will find this
Deplorable
atheist/agnostic
smirk
adorable

Imagine
No
Heaven
No
Hell
No one
to confess
tell

Imagine
there is
No
God
No
Morals
No
Ethics
only
apologetics
No
God's law
No
Bible
to teach
No
words
to preach

Imagine
Wondering
Purpose
Questioning 
Existence

Imagine
there is
No
God
in Today's
World

You can
Decide to
Burn the flag
OR
Proudly
fly it
UNFURL

Does that make you
your own God???

Good or Bad
Right or Wrong

Feeling
so empty
living in fear
what is life
WHO is whispering
in my ear

Are we
lost,
Oblivious,
Do we
even
know

Imagine
Why
do I
CRY
Loved ones do not believe in God I have to figure a way to educate them. I worry for their
Eternal soul 1-12-2021
Dec 2020 · 847
A Fork in the Road
CJ Sutherland Dec 2020
Love of my life  
His beloved wife
He barks
I bite
bickering  never ends
I try to smile
pretend
Married  to my best
friend
what happened to us?
The next day
I write a note
let’s start again
try to make amends
inevitably
His endless
Drinking
wins the day
nothing
else to say
what was I
thinking!
The warning
lights
are blinking
Every night
another vicious
Fight
  cycle repeat
neither one
will retreat
He in his room
I in mine
Is this how
we will spend
  the end of
Time?
What happened to
Until  death, do we part
To our hearts
To love, honor, cherish
Did our love parish
are we  blind
Each path
we walk
alone
in silence we reflect
atone
what will we find
this is his
that is mine
can we possibly
rewind?
Hoping to find the love
we once knew
When two hearts came together
we grew
The love we both knew
Perhaps
we need to take
the road less
traveled
I’m willing to
TRY
no more tears
Do
I
CRY
Married 35 years together 37 it’s a struggle every day not quite sure what to say. It’s getting bad and I’m really sad. I’m holding on by a thread so I write to find Grace 12-1-20
Nov 2020 · 221
Irritants
CJ Sutherland Nov 2020
Even

A                     Tiny

Flea

Can                                 Drive

A          Big.       Dog

CRAZY
The Brain will naturally put the words in the correct order.
the power of the brain.
(I’m not sure why I cannot take the period after the word big it’s the system not my intention)
Mar 2019 · 844
His MISTRESS 2019
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
Through the dark years

For better or worse
ignorant, trusting
It was the kind of thing
that happened
to other people
not us
Our bond was strong
a lasting love

He tried to hide
His mistress

Betrayed, how brazen
Right under my nose
WHY did he give her
His soul ?

Sneaking out
to get a taste of her
laughing in delight
She gave her all

The smell of her
lingers on his lips
fooling no one
except himself

Lying  eyes
standard denial
finally

I found them together
as he was
just finishing her

Caught in the act
I had to see  
who stole my man

Face to Face
stunned, disbelief
I could never compete
measure up
now,
I knew her name
*****
1985 It was the first year of my marriage my husband said he didn’t drink anymore and he was sneaking alcohol I thought it was going crazy I smelled him he said I was paranoid and then I found him and called him in the act and I wrote this poem
Mar 2019 · 708
His Kiss
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
To the man of my dreams
HIS KISS
  A kiss to long for
His lips first met mine
I long for more
He kissed my neck, then
Beneath my ear
A flood of ecstasy arose
To form a lump
In my throat
A whisper
Escaped my mouth
“No Please No”
Kissing harder
He could feel
My trembling body
Wanting, needing, begging
“Yes Please Yes”
  As time stood still
I lost myself
In the warmth of
HIS KISS
I wrote this when I was 18 it was my first real kiss
Mar 2019 · 650
Birthday Wisdom 2019
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
Another Day
Older
Another Day
Bolder

Women have it made
Queen of Sheba
In the shade

My hair
turning gray  
Dyed to my natural color
A younger apperence
Old age
washed  away

Older are Older
The clock ticks
Fewer and Fewer
the men pick

The crazy things
I used to do and say
Are only memories,
fantasies of today

Older and Wiser
PERHAPS
Now I take
Sunday Naps
My birthday is on the 23rd this Saturday I look at the year intake stock and said resolution is rather late New Year’s how would I want to accomplish for this next year  I’ll be 58
Mar 2019 · 666
Happiness (1982)
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
You
Search for it
Strive for it
Long for it

Then
Watch it
slip
Through
your fingers
The moment
you
obtain it

Let it go
Stop
chasing it
Happieness
Will find
you
When you
find
Yourself
I wrote this poem when I was 21 I was just starting my journey to self discovery even the simple list things such as happiness can be hard to obtain I sat ponder and wondered why this is what I came up with
Mar 2019 · 321
LOVE, The Double Edge Sword
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
IT—-———————-TAKES
A—————STRONG—————MAN
TO——————————————LOVE
A————­—————————WOMAN
YET———————————————IN
HIS—————————WEAKNESS
HE——————­———————IS
EVEN———-——STRONGER
IN———————-HER
LOVE
Word Art
Mar 2019 · 560
Stop, Think, Listen
CJ Sutherland Mar 2019
Screaming
At the top
Of your lungs

Never trust
The wrath of
An angry Tongue

Your mind Racing
Vengeful
Outspoken

When your heart
is shattered
Broken

Quiet your Head
Less
You regret
What you have said
Have you ever tried to stop yourself when you’re so angry.?you know anything that comes out of your mouth is going to be bad.
many people run  their mouth and anger while others choose their words wisely
Yet cutting deeper.
CJ Sutherland Feb 2019
No
I do not Like
Valentine’s Day
I WISH
It would Please
Just go AWAY

If you are
Married or in Love
Valentine’s Day
Comes from Cupid
Angels up Above

Deliveries to Work
The Gifts
Of Candy and Flowers
Evening Plans
Romantic Candlelight Dinner
Lasting for Hours
Followed by
Hugs and Kisses
And many
Sweet untold Wishes

However if you Are
Alone or Single
This Day is
An empty Heart
That sadly Tingles

One by One each Co-worker
Receives their Deliveries  
Their glances of Pity
Adds to my Miseries
Their words of Sympathy
Only deepen my Pain
Hoping for
This day to END
Before I go INSANE

A Day
RUBBED
IN MY FACE
Now Bitter Lonely Sadness
Are my
Only Grace

Hurtful memories of
Old verse New
Dinner for ONE
Instead of for TWO

No,
I do not Like
Valentine’s Day
I WISH
It would Please
Just Go AWAY

There was a Time
When I too Received
Many Deliveries
Before the days of Now
And my Miseries  

My Heart my Love
Did no come Home
Nor did HE
Call on the Telephone
No Hash Words
No Fight

I spent Valentine’s Night
Staring out the window
ALONE
His behavior
I don’t
Won’t  
Condone

I Cried
Myself to Sleep
I Thought
Life
Couldn’t be
More Bleak
Wondering is 
THIS my LIFE?
That of
A New young Wife!

He came Home
After a Night
At the BAR
He bought me Flowers
But
Left them in the Car

The next Day
When I AWOKE
Not a Word
between  Us
We SPOKE

Retrieved From
The Car FLOOR
I was SHOCKED
When he Strolled
Through the Door

He brought IN
The Flowers
Putting them
In a Vase
You should Have
SEEN
The look on My
FACE

Two Dozen Beautiful
Long stemmed ROSES
had WILTED
Like OUR Love
Empty and  Jilted

I  Took
A pair of Scissors
From the Drawer  
By the Bed
Cutting the Roses
ONE by ONE
At the Base
of the Bulb
HEAD

Silently
I set Down
The Scissors
Without
Placing Blame
My husband
Said Nothing
Only Hung
His Head
In SHAME

I made it Clear
I never want ROSES
On Valentine’s Day
We NEVER
Spoke of IT
What is the
POINT
Anyway

No
I don't Like
Valentine’s Day
I WISH
It would Please
Just go AWAY
Disputes all this
we have been married since 1985
(2019)  34 years married 36 years together
May 2018 · 975
Sound of silence
CJ Sutherland May 2018
There are times in life
When
You are silent
Yet
The words are working
Themselves
Out
Until the day
You
Can set them
Free
The deeper the issues
The longer
the
Silence
I’m not ready
Yet
I’m here
Breathing, hurting
Taking a pause
CJ Sutherland May 2018
It started over night
Attached the innocent
That’s not right

The army to many to count
I stand alone
A calculated defense I mount
I will NEVER accept defeat
My four innocent babies
Lay listless at my feet

Exhausted My Open wounds need treatment
At the end of the day
But that’s little cosilation
Compared to what my babies are suffering
Not a word do they say
Bewildered looks of confused pain
Swollen welts track their skin
The sadness in their eyes
the situation they are in
Their Backs, arms and legs
Mark the horrors of the day
They just want mommy to
Make it go away
I know they don’t understand
not sure what to say
At least  I try
They still show love, exceptence I want to cry
They give unconditional love
Only this grace comes from
Heaven God above
This gives me the courage to FIGHT
Planning my attack  strategy

As I prepare dinner
I make a list
We may be battered swollen bruised
But we are not broken or defeated

My tools are depleted
FLEAS don’t care who they attack
I have bites on me a well
at first I didn’t know why I couldn’t tell

Now Im winning
Armed with the Internet knowledge
I have become an entomologist
Arradicating the species
It’s to early to tell
Half past two a.m.
No sleep again tonight
Oh well
We are all sleeping
With one eye on our surroundings
A false sense of safety
As cautious optimism dances
In my head
There are no more fleas
on my dogs, in my bed
Carpet, drapery, bedding
Its a  tremendously large task to complete

Struggling to prepare a list before
I nod off my to sleep
I will not
can not
accept defeat

If you don’t get a handle quickly
on these fleas
They will take over
One female can lay 200 eggs
Diatomaceous earth food grade
  The ultimate destruction
It’s Considered the best natural alternative
Safe for humans and animals
Kills bugs
For the first time in many years I am being attacked by fleas taking neighborhood walks the neighbors yards have fleas in my dogs brought them back so now I’m on a vengeance to deflea my house my dogs it’s becoming a possession I’m at war and I will win
CJ Sutherland May 2018
Our nights are seldom
sound
More restless  and
unsettled
Our Mind begins to ask
The bigger questions
of life

As a child
carefree
A day lasted
forever

As a youth
so anxious
To grow up

As a young adult
Restless
To be free of
Our parents
Control
to taste life
Through our own
eyes

Middle age
a bit of
fear
Enters our mind
Of what lies
ahead

Reminiscent Of dreams
Unrealized

We ponder
How old age Will
unfold

As our sprit grows
Meek and mild

Restless and wild
Looking through the eyes
Of a child
Walking slower now
Life means more

We prepare for
The next chapter
Of life old age
Life lessons as our gage
How will that play out

Will we live in pain
Lose our mind
Dementia,
slightly off our rocker
insane

How will our life end
In the arms of a loved ,a friend
Will we be ready
Or will we fear

Did we learn  our lessons
To grown in spirit
I know they say
the journey is
As important
as the destination

However will we ever truly
know our purpose
There are no random accidents
Every action has a reaction
And life’s movements
Ever changing
Emotions rearranging

We are not messured
by our good deeds
But by those who remember us
Relationships cultivated with
God greatest gift of
Love
The older I get the deeper my questions of life evolve
May 2018 · 379
A captured life
CJ Sutherland May 2018
Autobiography and memoirs  
Are more then just a way
To share stories
They can keep family in touch
Sharing yesterday and today
Accolades and glories

When we have passed on
Your memories will fade in to gone
Who will remember our life
Our children, husband, wife
It’s the memories we share
For those to read and care
Told directly by you the more you give
The Stronger your voice will live

With sites such as  
Ancestry and family tree
Our next Generation can learn and see
However Only Legacy story can be told
A deeper perspective as we grow old

Writing your  autobiography  
  book of short stories,memories to share
From youth to old age secrets are there
Every emotion from joy to pain
Life’s lesson our refrain

If you choose a  memoir to share
A  specific time frame is centered there
A detailed event or period Is time
Sharing what you learned
The good the bad  exposing the crime  

Everybody has a story to tell
Situations create life’s joy or hell
an exceptional life have one
Every story is different Once you begun

I have kept a journal, diary books
since  the age 12 twelve I started writing
I was hooked
Capturing the emotion
in the moment
Our heart a deap ocean
its powerful, accurate writing what I saw
Yes sometime exstreamly raw
An actual account what you saw
did ,feel ,the whole ordeal

In some cases
you’ll have to change the names
to protect the guilty
face it, we’re all guilty of something

People like stories
that are based on real events
if you seek publication

Carpe Deim
Time is of the essence
Society is fascinated with
Stories of the past
Your voice, spirit will last
You will be celebrated remembered
A relatable story people will grasp
May 2018 · 442
Exterminate the Doctrine
CJ Sutherland May 2018
56% of the world
Do not believe in religion
In God

I wonder how they determine
The difference between right and wrong
IF the doctrine does not exist
Then the 10 Commandments
Do not have meaning
Since it’s in the Bible

  How is the moral compass defined  
A Very famous atheist defined
The moral compass
Two principal rules;

1)   IF it feels good do it
2)  If it’s good for me,it’s good
If it hurts me, it’s bad

  Religion as a whole Is under attack
Those who read the Bible know
This is foretold in the book of Revelations
  
We are all human we make mistakes
  No Religion is perfect
   Just because some members are bad
Does not make the entire Religion bad

If we exterminate the Doctrine
Where does that leave us
AS A SOCIETY

Just look at the world today
With LACK of moral fortitude
How do we wrap our heads around
Children that **** their sibling or parents
MASS shootings; in churches, at concerts
In Schools, nowhere is safe
With No defined reason WHY
  People are angry, demanding protection
  With no answers, safety is an Illusion
How far will you go
To protect someone you love  

Were do we go from here
Atheist want Christian to not only
Except their way of life BUT
To also denounce their beliefs
  If the Christians doesn’t fall in line
They’re branded biased and prejudice
  What about a Christian’s right  
To practice their religion

Christians plant seeds
Searching for Devine intervention
And their purpose of life
But are Crucified for their belief
Because they are unwilling
To sacrifice their eternal soul
Christian Are bullied to teach beliefs
to their children
That are in direct conflict to their religion
  Atheist use the word TOLERANCE
      
What atheist’s should understand
Christian’s can love a person
but not except their actions,
We inherently know right from wrong
We are all brothers and sisters in Christ
  It is not for a Christian to judge another
THAT IS GOD’S JOB

For those who don’t BELEIVE
In a higher power
Am I to understand that
The sum of all life is
To get up,go to work,
Search for the almighty dollar
Go home, go to bed, wake up
To do it again, and again...
The only purpose to
Keeping up with the Jones
Buying,  acquiring, collecting,
Brand names, flashy things  
Is THAT the motivational  goal of life  

Is That as good as it gets ?
At the end of life, to die
Fade to nothing, no afterlife
  
He who dies with the most toys wins!!
It’s about stuff????
  Does that mean
YOU are the God of your world
What about those like me who died and had a near death experience and talked to a higher power you see I know with every fiber of being what waits for me as I grow in faith I don’t know what’s going to happen in my life but I do know it’s not my doing I give my life to God everyday pray and ask for forgiveness when I fall short and try for a better tomorrow everyday is a new day to do the right thing we all struggle I have faith God Bless
CJ Sutherland May 2018
I have written on other
Poetry sites
As this one you
have to be invited
For the right

There are issues with this site
Freezing word lines ,curser going
Haywire
Unable to fix your errors
However

I have also noticed
When you offer critique of  a poem
that you feel is great
  Admire Even
Yet you see a little tiny
thing that could suggest
To be looked at by the author

Your jumped on by someone
And band wagon begins

Poetry on other  sites
you must make
Two critiques on the poem
and one on the title

It’s all about working
Together with fellow writers
Of verse and proses

A site without helping each other
Is  only about posting for practice
Nothing else
People are too sensitive

Writing with blinders on
Does not allow for growth

It’s all a matter of perspective
people don’t mean
criticism negatively
they are just  honestly
trying to help
but then others
take it wrong
feathers get ruffled

And out comes mr. nasty
Giving a poem thumbs down
REALLY IS THAT  necessary
Just don’t read or write on it
Pass it by

If  you want to get published
advise should be welcomed
Surely rejection letters are
Not the end goal

When one is not able to
here the reflection
In one’s voice
it’s difficult to determine
Friend or foe

just let it go
It’s not worth the effort
only have good intentions

It’s all a matter of
Perspective
Those who  make negative comments of a poem or comment are not contributing in anyone’s best interest I have taken to private messages with my suggestions who needs the drama
Apr 2018 · 483
The little things in life
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
If
ANY little
Word
of  ours
Can Makes
ONE life
The brighter
If
Any little
SONG
WE sing
Can make
One heart
The lighter
GOD
Help us
TO Speak
That little
Word
Find
Our voice
Rejoicing in
Our singing
Then
drop it
In some
lovely SOUL
And set the
ECHOES  
ringing
Hallmarks of life
Apr 2018 · 447
Spring Break
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
Many kids go to wild and exotic
Ports of call
Some do nothing at all
My grandson made a choice
He wanted to help use more then his voice

My middle grandson is my  sweet honey
He called for help for money
He was going to Mexico with the church youth group
To rebuild three houses to help families recoup

This trip wasn’t free
there was a fee
Five hundred dollars each
They were not just sitting on the beach

The week is done
The church made work fun
But more importantly
Families gained stability

The choices the youth make
Will be remember values resonate
My grandson walks a little taller
He gave more then just a dollar

He gave love
I’m so proud of my 15 year old grandson and his involvement in the church
Apr 2018 · 454
Easter Bonnet
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
When I was  a child
we dressed up
for Easter Sunday
I wore white gloves and  tights
a flower dress and
white Mary Jane shoes
With white double lace ankle socks
To top off our outfit
an Easter Hat
We were allowed
to decorate it
to match our dress
We sang
“ I wore an Easter Bonnet
With pretty flowers on it”
In fact
The whole congregation
wore a sea of
brilliant colored hats
Flowers tulle and lace
it was our
Sunday Best
My mother wore a mantilla
(A lace covering over her head with a pearl straight pin )
A sterling silver and real pearl rosary and
Her glove collection was something to behold
Today Easter Sunday
Now
no gloves
No Stockings lace
No Easter Bonnets
not one
In fact it could’ve
been people at Walmart
or going to the park
in jeans T-shirts  thongs
nothing special
It saddened me
Times are changing
And not necessarily
for the better
Happy Easter
God Bless
Apr 2018 · 365
Frustrated with this site
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
Please excuse me I am not one to rant and rave
I need to vent some frustrations I crave
My patients are ****** beyond belief
This sites’ flaws are a thief
I have have lost parts of poems two completed ones as well
Written on the cuff
It’s a nightmare a living hell
The perfect poem lost in time

This is a unfortunate  crime
I hope you all learn from my pain
Write it out so your original remains
Lost the  sentence are easy to fix
But disrupts the flow creating a new feel mix
That’s not always a good thing first the curser drops Down
Several lines then the fun begins its happening now
Making corrections hard to manage
I know this site is free is it just me
I have know poets to leave in the past
Pleaset tell me these problems will not last
Or I fear more poets will be a thing of the past
I love the people on this sight
But posting is a constant fight
Apr 2018 · 213
Lent 40 days until Easter
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
The last forty days of Jesus’ life
Judas’ betrayal, a mother’s strife
Jesus told all around him
The sequence of events would be grim

“God so loved the world
He gave his only son
Who so ever believe in him
Will not parish
But have ever lasting life “(KJ Bible)

Undecribable pain racks my mind
Jesus’ death All to save every soul of man kind
Ultimately all but one apostles was murdered killed
John in exile still wrote, God’s grace many books he filled


Still we sin some don’t even believe
We live in a world practicing to deceive
No man will know the exact moment Jesus will return
However we have everything we need the Bible to learn

“When wrong is considered right
And right is considered wrong “
We are a standing at a  precipice
The next tragity shan’t be long

Faith and love The Bible teaches all we need
In paralleless times, strong faith with God’s will you’ll succeed
It time to learn who you are how deep are your morels vested
To understand why evil doers ****, our values will be tested

Today Jesus died a violent death
At the hands of man who hadn’t a clue
His last words to God
“Forgive them Lord
They know not what they do”

Can we even imagine that amount of love
It takes for such compassion
To carry out such a plan from above

Happy Easter
God Bless you all
Revelation is a book to start after all it’s about what comes next all quotes from the Bible
Mar 2018 · 6.1k
What Constitutes a Birthday
CJ Sutherland Mar 2018
Is a birthday a birthday without
A celebration
A child of God on his creation

Is a birthday a birthday without
A cake
The sweet smell plus the time it took to make

Is a birthday a birthday without
Blowing out candles hot dripping wax
57 candles fire to the max

is a birthday a birthday without
Singing the song
A sadness lingered all day long

it a birthday a birthday without
A friend to share it with
Or are all these reasons just a myth

Pouring Rain   fierce winds   rocked my car
I walked the mall
Beauty Salon straighten my hair
No one to notice or care
shopped
Victoria Secrets, things I did not need but made me smile
The happness only lasted a short while
Sees candy, picked out my favorite kind
Still sad loneliness on my mind
Bed bath and beyond; rosewater candles
Surely the scent would cheer my mood
Perhaps
Chinese’s food
wonton soup and *** stickers To take home
Painful knee ended my time to roam
Reading comments,well wishers who
remembered my Birthday
I’m done celebrating now
ready for it to go away

Text messages Facebook too
I wish I understood I wish I knew
Why I feel this way
Tomorrow
will be
a bright
new day
Not sure why I feel this wat I spent my birthday alone
Next page