This is the first time I've written something in response to a challenge. This may not make any sense....but poetry is often misinterpreted anyway ... so be it.
I am From....
I am from a love forgotten
Born of two souls that meshed together
For a moment in time,
Before growing bitterly cold
I am from a broken house
Pretty yellow on the outside
Red on the walls
Black in the hearth
I am from dirty streets
Sitting outside in the dark of night
Waiting for the howling inside to stop
Sitting on a cold bench
Trying to remember my father
The man I was told to hate
But couldn’t understand why
I am from alcohol and insanity
The poisons that ruined my innocence
The bitter liquid that governed my home
And snatched me away from the love of a father
Into the hands of a maternal patriarch
That stood tall in bitter disgrace
As I watched my mother crumble
I am from scarred skin
Dirty hair
And warm tears
The ugly child that didn’t want to be seen
Knobby knees on frail bones
Hungry and alone
I am from dreams
Visions in my mind
Places I could escape
Where I could go
And not hear the cursing
Or see the drunk lying on the floor
A haven where I could play
Without fearing a hand across my cheek
I am from strength
The gift I was given
That saw me through
Every time a door was slammed in my face
I walked through
When another nail was driven through my heart
I swallowed the tears and pressed on.
I am from rebirth
Running away from hell
Into the safety of my father’s arms
Strangling the ugly little girl
That cried herself to sleep so many nights
Walking outside as a valued woman
Her head held high
Ready to form a new generation
A generation that will not suffer as she did.
I am not ashamed of where I came from
It made me who I am.
copyright(c)2003 Crystal-Rain Love
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Reviews of "I Am From.... ( Michael Curry challenge) "
Excuse ME!! This is POWERFUL! This is what I [would] have said, if I could have said it the way you did. I've been TRYING!!! I may be a month or more late to the challenge, but THIS challenge should NEVER die!! I [will] tell you 'who I am'... but the time must be right; and the words as well. I'll say that you have a LOT of parallels with me. Needless to say, this touched me so deeply, my heart skipped. -- Jeff
Crystal, Well it might be the first time you've ever written a challenge poem, but you done it with a rushing energy. Although it made me cry, it was exquisitely written. I'm glad to know that you made it through all the negativity. I'm sure as sad as it sounds, it made you a stronger adult. Thanks for sharing you with the rest of us. Lisa
You are now You, Crystal-Rain, sensitive, compassionate, forgiving and beautiful, inside and out, due to your own design. I applaud you, and your piece. It cries, learns, shudders, and then rebuilds. :)
Reviewed by Transcendental Poet (Reader)
Reviewed on November 21, 2003
GREAT writing!
Reviewed by ***** ********* (Reader)
Reviewed on November 21, 2003
Outstanding, Crystal! This shows such depth of character and courage! You hold your head high and learn well from the trials & tribulations of your personal history, staying positive and staying true to your inner light no matter how many scars you collect from this gauntlet we call Life... truly excellent write!
This is beautifully expressed in honesty and truth that leaves me in awe and teaches me a lot. I think that you did an outstanding job of fulfilling the challenge's criteria. Great collage as well. Love and peace, Regis.
nice write, crystal-rain; you go gurl! (((HUGS))) and much love, your texas friend, karen lynn. :D
Reviewed by *********** ********** (Reader)
Reviewed on November 21, 2003
And it sure made you strong, proud and capable of great expression and vision....This was a compelling, electric and truthful poem..I enjoyed it very much.. ty, Dani
Btw…No published book for me, just yet……I’m working on it…;)
This is an incredible write of a woman who is extremely strong in who she is now. A survivor with new visions :-) Great response to the challenge! Thank you for the sharing.
Wow and you did a great job here! And, thank you for your reviews of my work.)
Reviewed by La Belle Rouge (Reader)
Reviewed on November 21, 2003
Walking outside as a valued woman
Her head held high
Ready to form a new generation
A generation that will not suffer as she did.
This somehow redeems the pain. A deeply touching write so very well penned. I'm glad you have broken the chain for yourself and the next generation.
Reviewed by Libby Stone (Reader)
Reviewed on November 21, 2003
Crystal...goosebumps rise to the surface. This is one of the best challenges I've read. A truly beautiful soulful write. Thank you for reaching deep and sharing it with us.
Blessings,
Libby
Bravo, Crystal! You covered all the bases without missing a beat, and with such grace and beauty. BTW, thank you for your kind words about "Cradle Me." We share a life in common. You might want to read "Angels Cushion Life's Blows." Love in Christ~~ Bonnie Q
Sherlyn Powell opens up about her love and devotion to her family and the overwhelming repercussion when communication breaks down. Heartbroken and distraught she learns to release her prayer and realize with faith God would reunite her family.
Amor
Rodd
Btw…No published book for me, just yet……I’m working on it…;)
Reindeer
Her head held high
Ready to form a new generation
A generation that will not suffer as she did.
This somehow redeems the pain. A deeply touching write so very well penned. I'm glad you have broken the chain for yourself and the next generation.
Blessings,
Libby