First Sean and Steve...Then R.A.Y. (poem) by Zahala San Simone on AuthorsDen

First Sean and Steve...Then R.A.Y.
by Zahala San Simone → (All Poetry by Zahala San Simone)
Rated "R" by the Author.

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This piece is a tribute to the mothers of these young men. Both of them lost their sons to senseless, random violence, when the boys were only 20 years old. Whereas, this would have made some bitter and resentful, these mothers--Addie and Gloria--opted to do their part to ensure that other 'good' kids did not fall prey to random violence. Thus, they created an organization, Reclaim A Youth (nicknamed RAY), to recognize and encourage children and teens to achieve, embrace life, and choose to be productive instead of destructive. RAY is holding it's annual fundraising dinner in Lansing, Illinois on November 17th, if anyone's interested. I believe their website is www.reclaimayouth.org.
I interviewed the mothers, Of two American boys... At first, they looked so normal… And then they seemed so poised... As their life unfolded, I wholly filled with grief; United were they in sorrow-- Their sons killed in the streets. Ridiculous causes for death! Lives robbed in puberty. Extinguished at age twenty; The time when young men’s liberty-- And tempers ignite with a BANG. no fault in them was found. Their killers caught, convicted-- Two extra lives death-bound… These mothers sought to defeat Anger, sorrow and grief; Fill emptiness with assistance, To other’s seeking relief... By birthing org Reclaim A Youth To permit option and choice, For youth not yet disturbed; To bestow them with a voice. To release them from sure grief, Produce hopeful, positive cells; Implant the joy of living; So senseless killing spells-- Might cease in our lifetime… No more victims throughout; No more mothers in pain; No more children in doubt.

Reviewed by Steve Ralph

Reviewed on April 2, 2007

If it is possible to give a standing ovation on the web then you have one for this outstanding poem, it is a shame that reading it is not compulsery reading to all youngsters, thank you for sharing it,
Steve

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

Reviewed on November 19, 2006

great write and a good cause created like a phoenix out of the ashes of such pain. My hat is off to you as well as those two mothers

Reviewed by Kimmy Van Kooten

Reviewed on November 10, 2006

A Tribute to a very good cause...R.A.Y. should not have had to be, but since it must, Let these women's efforts combined with the rest of those who want to help, be Blessed in all takes to Shine and restore peace in our youth.
Amen.
Love and Peace~
Good job Wendi!
Kimmy~

Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)

Sensless killings. Just trigger happy, vengeful attitudes and evil incarnate. And mother grieve. I admire these two. They are doing something. Victor

Reviewed by Joyce Bowling

I can't imagine and don't want to try to imagine the agony those mothers are living with. I do admire them for their effort and bravery to help others, this is very honorable and admirable. Our world needs more people to just care about the human race, after all we are in this world together. This is a caring and kind act and very selfless. Wonderful write and tribute for these mothers.
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling

Reviewed by CJ Heck

I applaud you, Wendi for making us aware of this organization and the brave and honorable mothers who are doing something to make the world better. Very nice job with this poem!
Love,
CJ

Reviewed by Martin Hebert (Reader)

Wnedi...lovely poem...

martin