The Great Disparity (repost) (poem) by Chanti Niven on AuthorsDen

The Great Disparity (repost)
by Chanti Niven → (All Poetry by Chanti Niven)
Rated "R" by the Author.

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A true story placed in poetic format that tells the horrors of the reality of Apartheid.

Left alone in that huge house

Servants retired to their own rooms

We heard a knock on the door

Open'd it, saw one of our grooms

He leaned against the doorpost

blood pouring from beneath his hand

Pleading, dark eyes so desperate

He tried to make us understand

We didn't need to know

Because in that moment we could see

In his paucity and our luxury

The great disparity…the great disparity

We knew we'd be in trouble

but we led him through the door

We wrapped him in a blanket

But then he sank onto the floor

My childish fingers dialed for help

I screamed into the phone

"Please help us he is dying!"

"We are the only ones at home."

The operator seemed so patient

These questions must be asked

"What race is he my girl?"

"Oh black?" …came up the mask

"You have to call this number.

We can't help him here you see."

And in that moment I could clearly see

the great disparity…the great disparity

I'll never forget that dreadful night

His dying eyes still stare at me

I knew he understood

The great disparity…the great disparity

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on February 6, 2005

I've said it already. This is "in your face" truth not to be denied. Thank you, Chanti. Love.

Regis

Reviewed by JEREMIAH JAMES (Reader)

Reviewed on August 24, 2004

Excellent write, Chanti.

Thank you for sharing.

Jeremy

Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)

"Poignant...heartsearing...painful" These seem such insignificant
adjectives to describe the feelings that went through me, reading
this powerful piece of writing!
The supreme horror and indignities that this race, and other races
have been put through in this last century alone, will justify God's
rage when it comes. And it WILL come, soon.
You have a most unique talent for portraying suffering humans in an
almost hypnotic way. Wonderful, Chanti!!!

Reviewed by Cynthia Castle (Reader)

Reviewed on August 23, 2004

Chanti,

Very powerful write, Dear Poet. It's hard to believe that in this so-called "civilized" world where we live today, things like this still happen. Too many people live in their own little world where things are going good for them and never realize (or refuse to face it) that others still suffer tremendously due to misguided beliefs that some race or ethnic group is better than others. Thanks for posting this important message!

Blessings to you,
Cynthia

Reviewed by Tami Ryan

Wow, this gave me goosebumps, Chanti - and tears in my eyes. I'm shaking my head ...I'll never understand.

Excellent work, my friend.

Reviewed by Cynth'ya Reed

Nailed this one hard to the wall! No escaping the emotion it evokes.
blessin's
c.

Reviewed by Thomas Lanechanger (Reader)

Reviewed on August 22, 2004

Chanti, this is an extremely heartwrenching piece, which clearly illustrates why poetry plays such a vital role in keeping humanity abreast and helping to shape the future in the hopes to ensure it is a better world for the generations who will follow by our example. You have done a truly remarkable job with this emotive write and also with all your other postings my friend. Thank you for sharing them and keeping the torch of freedom and knowledge glowing into the farthest reaches of the globe with your dynamic talent. Take care and be well.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Know this so well...Chanti!!

But thank God things are better now!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)

powerfful poem Chanti so powerful.....

Reviewed by Fletcher Bailey (Reader)

Chanti, this is very powerful poetry...it is one thing to be able to dazzle the reader, but another to make the reader live/ breath/feel the poetrys essence...excellent job dear poet...Fletcher B

Reviewed by E T Waldron

A powerfully emotive write Chanti!How sad that
this kind of event can still happen in this world
that is supposed to be civilized!
Keep letting your voice be heard!

Reviewed by jude forese

deeply morose but truly inspired ...

Reviewed by Helga Ross

Chanti, your voice and form here is very effective, the feelings evoked, profound.

Reviewed by Peter Paton

A very sad and moving story Chanti...
Peter

Reviewed by Lori Moore

Sad write. You handled the theme with beauty and class.

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

This was really sad.

Sandie May Angel