You sat on my bed,
telling me about AIDS in Africa
and little orphan children,
all the while thumbing the lid
on a tube of chapstick
like it was the answer you were looking for.
The regular answers of "you can't save them all"
and "helping one is better than none"
offered no comfort, and instead brought "the glare".
I wonder who holds up the angels
when their tears start to fall
and how many nights of telephone calls
and mailing campaigns led to the wall of truth...
you cared, but no one else did,
you cried, but no one heard,
you tried, but no one cared,
you loved, but no one returned,
and, in the end, you died,
and no one noticed...
maybe superheroes aren't just ink blots on a page,
maybe they are the ones that never get noticed,
and still find the fight worth the struggle...
maybe, but then again,
maybe no one really cares.
Author notes
option three....I hope maybe someone cares.
In a list
A contest entry
- When Superheroes Fail by Night Phoenix.
875 points, ended February 25, 2007, 18 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Thanks for the comment. I loooove this poem! The way you give such concrete details, especially the chapstick lid, really put me in the room, sitting on the bed. It makes your hero someone very tangible and real, and also inspires me to want to be a hero too. :-) Excellllent!
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this is one of those writes that gets under the skin and remains there for awhile [as it should]Everyone that tries in their own way is a super-hero, and maybe through the efforts of many "ones" we can become a "whole" and a difference will be made , one step at a time...and maybe soon , fewer angels will be crying. They do not seek rewards for their work , but to see a bit of progress helps them keep their wings. I admire every single person that helps or gives whatever it is that they can. Some of us are limited to only "good thoughts to send" but maybe even those can form a strong chain and be heard and make a difference. I loved that you sort of sat this up as a "scene"
reenie
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Aww...
That was really touching. You've got my pity-sensor wailing to give someone a hug.
'I wonder who holds up the angels
when their tears start to fall' Gosh-darn sweet, that's what that is. I like this one a bunch.
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Outstanding
This poem looks at ideology, what we can achieve as individuals is limited. I liked how you linked the philosophy in this poem with the "every day" conversation. I thought this was a strong poem with a real message and honesty. A deep and perceptive poem. Best of luck in the competition.
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One of the best. I'm mean.....wow. It's so true.
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wow... awesomenessss
i completely agree with u on this one
"helping one is better than none"
love that line
very well done hun
love coop
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touching
This is an excellent write. Your imagery is wonderful and you took me on a trip that I've been accussed of taking many times. Some tell me I care too much, but I don't think thats possible. Good job. Pen on... -
I care!
This is very powerfully worded and brought a tear to my eye, for I visit Africa this year to work with children of AIDS and I know the feeling of helplessness and being only able to do a little not a lot, but it is our voices joined together that will bring about a change and maybe then no angle will have to weep anymore. Great write, I applaud you for it.
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I love this.
Really emotional.. deep.
It's also very true.
Great write!!
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