frightened and obscure
she stands in the shadows
of the diner’s rear entryway
facing the dark, damp alley
a small shivering child
rests upon her hips
while another huddles
tightly against her thigh
overwhelming fear permeates
her miss-nothing
chocolate brown eyes
as she scans her surroundings
if you listen closely
you can hear the echo
of her baby’s cries
“I’m hungry mommy”
tears trickle down her cheek
because she has no food
and no place to sleep, so
it’s another night on the streets
Author notes
I only know her as Sandra, which I doubt is her real name. She is 20 years old and has a 4 year old daughter and an 18 month old daughter. I’m not even sure she is here legally. I have given her a contact card for a social worker but she expresses fear of losing her kids and a fear of the kids’ father. I don’t know the whole story there. I take them to Mc Donald’s now and again when I see them. It’s the little ones restaurant of choice.
A contest entry
- Place of Prayer Members Only #49 by Samplette.
425 points, ended April 1, 2007, 6 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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I enjoyed this write. Thank you for posting it. God bless you always in all that you do. You are forever in my prayers. Have a blessed day.
In Christ Jesus,
Tabitha Robin -
At first, the first part of your entry, I thought oh no that it not what this contest is for, and its not. The second part is what it is all about. Praying from the heart for those in need, or praising our Lord. It was a beautiful prayer, and I join you in this prayer for this family. This contest is so much about realism, and love. Which the second part of your entry is about. From a burdened heart to our Lord. Thank you so much for sharing it with us in this contest.
Sam
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Prayer poems are not as easy as they appear at first glance, you are actually writing for three audiences. The contest holder, the audience and (hopefully) God. It is difficult because the attempt is to sound poetic, when the heart so often just wants to weep, the voice has no ability to find firm ground, the soul lies emptied of hope – to me, those ar e the most difficult things to express because it is the raw emotion that may not convey to a contest holder, may leave the audience in the dust…but the issue is God does not give a rip. He does not care….what language or words your pen makes or your mouth speaks – His heart is moved by the heart in need and moved by the heart of the one that dares to stand in the gap, to plead the cause – there is where the truest judge of a poem’s worth is found, in His eyes and His alone. And your authors comment about whether or not you did this right, If this my contest, this poem would get Gold in a heartbeat. Blessings and best wishes, ~richard
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I pray for the young family... God please guide and protect them.
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God Bless You.
I pray too that Social Services will be able to help them. How sad but may God bless you for doing what you can to help. His eye is on the sparrow, I wish that we could all do more. -
this story brought tears to my eyes. so sad. and it happens so often. The imagery is so beautiful,so bold, the prayer so humble, yet you boldly ask God knowing he will hear your plea. Praise God for people like you. keep writing. God bless you always
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This is definately one of the most incredible pieces I have read at AP. The imagery is so beautiful, the prayer so humble, yet you boldly ask God knowing he will will hear your plea. An amazing example of faith. We have been commanded to love others no matter where they are at in this life. Wishing you the best in the contest, even if you don't win, I think this deserves a gold trophy. Well done.
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This is different. A poem that speaks of such a sad plight for a small, young family to have to endure, then you end it with a prayer for their safekeeping. I like that. I didn't take the time to read the contest criteria but I think you did a wonderful job with what you have here. Good luck! There should be more people like you who are willing to reach out and touch lives when and where they can. You never know where one small random act of kindness might take a person or how much hope it will give them.
♥ Touchof1der
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