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I noticed that glance as you passed me on by
the look of contempt that was there in your eye
but we’ve never met,so I’m wondering why
You see me the way that you do
We’ve never conversed,so it’s nothing I’ve said
to instil those thoughts that you have in your head
Perhaps it was rumours,or something you’ve read
That has coloured your point of view
Do you think that my being depends on the state
could that be the reason you seem so irate
Does my spot in this planet some how desecrate
The clean little world you live in
If you had the time then I’d try to explain
just what life is like at the foot of the chain
And the struggle inside just to keep yourself sane
Knowing there’s no way to win
I too had your feelings and judged as I saw
with my nose in the air while observing the poor
But there is no knowing what life has in store
Or what the morning will bring
A stock market crash caused my company to fold
bills mounted swiftly and friendships turned cold
bailiffs moved in,and my property sold
In a heartbeat I’d lost everything
Depression was mine and I couldn’t compete
battered and bruised I accepted defeat
And I no longer care as I took to the street
Choosing to dance with the Devil
So take a good look and mark well what you see
a turn of the cards and you could well be me
Life used to be good at the top of the tree
But its different down at street level
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Author notes
....
A contest entry
- ~ Picture Inspired contest~ Homeless by Frozentearz.
300 points, ended June 3, 2007, 17 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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An absolutely fantastic write.
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See a lot of that here in Detroit. Nice write.
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That was so sad, and so true =[
I loved it, it really showed their side of the story well.
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So Sad
Awwww, we should all have more compassion for those on the streets. I'm just as bad as the next person for walking on past. You've done a great job with this poem, well done, and I'll be sure to actually notice the next homeless person I meet.
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Your poetry always inspires and this one certainly goes straight to the heart. Amazing rhyme and meter every time. Sad, true, but a joy to read.
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A great piece on the misgivings of the general public. I have worked with the homeless for the past 7 years and I sure get tired of the comments you hear as the book should not be judged by it's cover. Very nicely done! I also write for a non-profit monthly newpaper in Madison Wi. and was wondering if you would allow us to print this in an upcoming edition.
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Thank you Gunther for your wonderful comments. I popped over and found one similar on your page, our minds seem to be on the same wave length. Please feel free to use this piece
Take care
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This is beautiful hun, the flow and rhyme are impeccable, the message succinct and direct. It hits home at all the preconceived ideas of who and what the poor are and how they got there. These days everyone is but a paycheck away from homelessness, in a society where we have mortgaged our future to the hilt in an effort to obtain our little piece of of today's high end living.
Bravo, I could not have said this better myself, excellent work! Hugs, Bunny
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Thank you my friend , as you say in these days we all could find ourselves in such a position,some it would bring home to them that not everyone wishes to be where they are
Take care
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Well structured, and crafted with a good sense of rhymes. The concept was good to
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Thank you so pleased you thought enough of it to pass a fine comment Thank you
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Ahh this hurts to read. But you did an amazing job.
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Thank you for reading and commenting I really do apreciate it
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I like poetry like this! A wonderful, well written poem with an important and thought provoking message. And a very good message too! I see you got the gold and so you should with this write.
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Thank you Sandy for your wonderful comments So pleased that you found it an enjoyable read
Take Care
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This is such a heart wrenching topic. So true and sad, yet you have written this in such a way that you want to read and re-read your beautiful work. It could happen to any of us at anytime. Thank you for keeping us humble! Beautiful work!!!
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Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment It is appreciated
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I adored this poem Richard the first second third and umteenth time that I have read it.For me this is definately one of your very best... Love it as much today as when you first wrote it...It still grips me...Excellent then and now...mal
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Thank you Mal that someone felt the need to drag this out of the closet and Spotlight it was both a pleasure and surprise So pleased that you still find it an enjoyable read
Richard
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I see these people, they are someone's mothers and fathers, and it breaks my heart!
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Ever person in such a position has to be remembered is/was someones child.It is so easy to dismiss them as worthless no goods without finding out the reason they are in such a situation
Thank you for your comments
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i think anyone who appears homeless is a little bit de-humanised by society and you've adressed that in a nice way by pointing out that it could happen to any of us.
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Sadly we all (or most) tend to form an opinion by what we see and do not look any deeper.
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Gave me tears.
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Thank you so much
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, this one has millions. This is a powerful, extremely well written write. I try to remember when I am approached for charity that there's no way to fully appreciate how much better it is to give than receive, especially in such circumstance. Well deserving of the gold, and a poem that deserves to be read over and over again!!
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Thank you So much for reading and commenting I really do appreciate it Thank you
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first poem on ap I read, ever. still love it.
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There's an old parable about how God holds the fates of men like a coin between two fingers. The slightest twist is enough to make it flip
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Dude!
This was like, the first poem I ever read on AP, and I'm just coming back to it now....still love it
Stay sick
xx Sin -
Wow, this is an excellent poem..Superbly written. I especially love the rhyming scheme. It really adds to the flow of the poem.As for the message, everyone should read this and then maybe they will be able to see things from a different point of view, a point of view they have ignored til now. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you PrincessSAmaRa for a wonderful comment I agree we should all really look deeper as to the reasons some are in such a state.Sadly we move in times that are such that we do not have five minutes to spare to find out .Thank you for commenting I really do appreciate it
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Amazing
This is great. I could picture it all in my mind, a wealthy man walking down the street, turning his head away from people who need his help. I loved this. You could really paint a picture in my mind. Great words, you're a very good poet. Keep up the great work! -
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Thank you DeadlyInfection. for taking time to read and comment That you could picture this in your mind gives me the greatest of pleasure it shows that i have got it somewhat right Thank you for that
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this is soooo goood great write and nicely brought together you stae it like youve been there and thats beautiful i nwish i could write this good
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Hi Pretty Rebel please do not ever judge your standard of writing or talent by anyone Else's work You are a writer and a good one I have age on my side which sometimes give one an edge when having more experience of subjects to write about. As i said in my comment of your work I could barely write my name at your age So please stick with your own style and do not look to other to set standards. I never do or did I write how and what i feel that way you are true to yourself Thank you for your comments
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amazing
this is great.
I can't write shit that rhymes
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Thank you Sin City Rockette I would not worry to much about not being able to write rhyme Not everyone likes it so the fact that you have a different style is no bar to writing I have read your work so you know my feelings on it Thank you for taking time to read and comment
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Brilliant
I loved this piece, it flowed beautifully and it really touched my heart. I also wrote a poem sometime back about a bagman who made his home on the main road I used to travel every day. "Ziggy the Bagman" - if you get a chance have a read. But when Ziggy disappeared one day I was really concerned and a poem was born. I think the thing we all must remember is that we are all human beings and deserve respect regardless of our circumstances. Well done
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Thank you earmarti for your wonderful comments I did as you will have notice nip over and read Ziggy so you will know my reactions to that piece That you found this one enjoyable gives me the greatest of pleasure.It is always nice to get ones fellow poets take on ones work Thank you
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wowwwww!! really amazing.. it resemble somehow to a poem i wrote the street of pain(1) you can reda it
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Thank you so much nounou for you more thank welcome comments It is always nice to get a fellow poets take on ones work Thank you Take care
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ace! ace! ACE!
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thank you elvira for taking time to read and comment I really do appreciate it Thank you
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I am very glad to see that someone featured this for you It was a blessing to have it entered into our contest.
Blessings
Tearz -
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Thank you Tearz that it was nominated twice is hard to believe First by Fool No1 then by BAButerfly. With out the image and contest this piece would never have gained life So credit is shared
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WOW !
Excellent write! Having lived in the woods once with fall leaves as a blanket. Street Level is kind of colorful. I even had a job. Rents way too high at the time.
I scrapped and saved never forgetting those woods, finally bought those trees from which the leaves fell. No morgage all cash.
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me comprende
been there. Here is a quip I wrote the other day that you might appreciate:
"Money is the least important factor in the measurement of the value of a man" - bc 6-10-07
and that is "man" in the sense of a human being
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Bill i could not agree more, money never has or will have an effect on me Some may say that the life i have lead has been wasted, for after 60 + years i still live in rented accommodation. Have little in the bank. But boy I have three wonderful daughters and my late wife whom i dearly loved Made me one of the richest men to walk this earth
That you found this piece an enjoyable read only adds to my riches Thank you
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one other note. Have you ever read Six Feet of Earth? It's not nearly as morbid as it sounds, it's really quite beautiful and somewhat relates to your (absolutely gorgeous) poem. A line from it goes something like ''...let us help him along and perchance he'll succeed, don't crush him because he is down...'' and ''...for death levels all and conclusively shows, that six feet of earth makes us all of one size...'' Let me know if you want me to type up the rest of it for you. It is a touching piece.
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Wow
I loved your syllable meter. It set the entire tone of the poem, and your words are beautiful. -
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Thank you Capathia for your wonderful comments I have to confess i know little of syllable meter of count I tend just to write what feels right If it work the way it should then I guess i am lucky.I have not heard of Six Feet of Earth but it sound wonderful I would be more than pleased to read it thank you once again for your comments I appreciate them
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Nice
This is a very true fact of life. We tend to put people down that we don't know anything about. I really enjoyed this piece and look forward to reading more from you.
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Thank you Moluv for taking time to read and comment It is so nice to know that you found it an enjoyable read Thank you for your comments
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wow
it's a long way down.. isn't it? makes you take a hard look at yourself..to be kind to everyone no matter the circumstances...don't prejudge and don't think that you are somehow superiour because of your status in society. or because you have accomplished something you deem as worthy of noticing.. a write very worthy of the gold trophy.. congrats...
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Thank you Vici I guess we all look past such poor people at sometime in our lives Perhaps because we ourselves have more pressing matters to attend. I know its no excuse but it does happen Thank you for your comment I appreciate them
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Bravo! Standing in applause
To see a beautiful gold on this piece is simply expected and to see it in the spotlight is a pleasure. Very very well done dear friend. You have touched the very core of humanity with this one. And I love when you do rhyme like this. Wonderful~
~Pamela 
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Thank you Pam your words of encouragement are always more than welcome to this poet Thank you so much
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yes a very good poem, and a very well raised issue. Congradulations also on your rhyming - which wasn't forced.Good choice of title too - catchy. I've always wondered why people can be rude to people on the streets or taxi drivers or bus drivers and all those jobs that aren't considered a great achievement in life, when you know nothing about them, not what their life has been like and yet we still judge them, based on the fact that right there at that moment, you think you're better than them.
Sorry about the ramble (if it made sense), haha, and thanks - it is a true masterpiece. -
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Thank you Silentmind it is always pleasing to know that ones work can find a little success with ones fellow poets Thank you for reading and commenting
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Great words in wonderful rhyme, inspired by that picture. No one really knows or cares about the reasons people end up on the streets, whether it be drink, drugs or a personal tragedy. I wrote something similar on this theme called "Dusty Boots" that you may like to read. Well done on your much deserved gold trophy.
Ann
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great great poem! am totally speechless! one of the best i hav read at AP.. keep the pen rolling, shuvi
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This is a sad fact of life
manyaretrying their best to stay away formit while others are adding to the problem. Ther isn't a country that hasn't and still has this problem so some get a kick out of what they or who they can destroy,
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is that a picture of ur dream or ur mother. lil punk pussy ass poem.
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thank you so pleased you read and commented thats all a poet seeks Take care
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The eyes open...
Man, this is refreshing amoungst all of the heartsick love/loss poems. Not that any of those are bad. I am just relieved to happen across a poem that is about a societal epidemic, though it be told from a personal point of view. Very well done. And on a humanitarian note, we, instead of just saying that something should be done, that "someone (else)" should do the "doing", why don't WE DO something in our own towns to try and help? We should! I won't look at another unfortunate someone feeling as though I "would like to do something" and just keep passing by. I think I have changed some, and your expertese in portrayle is very much to credit! Love it! Thankyou! > Uchi
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WOW! WOW! WOW!
This is such a great poem...I want to read it again, I already read it three times and it brought great joy The difference between the "top of the tree" and "street level" is sometimes merely passion eh? I think a lot of it boils down to what your time is worth to you...do you choose corporate careers or life, and what do you do if you choose life? Great write!
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it's just cool man, all i really have to say at the moment.
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Lovely poem so deserving of the Gold. How we tend to think of ourselves so far removed which we tend to not see. It could be us out of that street anyday! No one really knows for sure. ~Sie
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Yeah
I like this. And, considering my statement "I never like other peoples' poems", that's high praise.
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Yea I'm with you Tony I never like my work either Oh well i suppose we have to say something just to keep the site working .Please reserve your praise for a more worthy poet
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Scaffers get my respect
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Dough nuts get mine
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Your poem reminds me of William Hogarth's British cartoonist and painter (1700's I think) who drew what could happen when you fall from wealth to poverty. Yours is a poweful poem with morals; what else can one ask for?
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Thank you Andy so pleased that you enjoyed the read I guess it is all to easy to walk on by and leave these unfortunate folk to their Misery. who know they may do the same to us one day
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This is such a profound piece of writing...I haven't read anything so powerful in a long time. Well done, it was absolutely amazing...it flowed beautifully and the rhyme scheme was flawless!! What can I say except to keep up the brilliant work?
Angel xoxo
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Thank you FallenAngel I guess with a name such as yours this would be one for you I am so pleased that it struck a cord with so many One always aims to get the reader involved Thank you for doing so (rose)
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Excellent
This gave me the chills. How often have I told my children "don't make fun of people that could be you" and so on and so forth. Funning how a twist of fait can change everything!
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Thank you deaste for reading and commenting I don't think we can be to hard on our children as it is just natural when young to make comments without thinking That you put them right can only lead to them being more caring when older If everyone did the same then perhaps these unfortunate would not be where they are
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hats off!...
...to a obviously skilled poet!! Your words ring soooo true,a very great read!! -
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Thank you Swangrny for such a generous comment on my skills That you found your time well spent in reading is all a poet can really expect from his work So thank you
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Reality check.
This is such a reality check for all of us. I'm speechless after reading this twice. Outstanding! 'Nuff said.
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My thanks midnightblue the fact that you read and commented was more than enough for this poet Thank you
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good rhyme rhythm
the rich man losing his property is somewhat cliche'
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Thank yo Matt for your comments and for taking time to read
Cliché? yes it is true there are only a few ways to write about the image posted for the contest I went with one i knew about from speaking with these people Perhaps not the high flier this piece portrayed but smaller yet no less devastating reasons I am pleased you found it an enjoyable read thank you
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damn...powerful write...this is without question one of the most penetrating peices i've stumbled on in a long time. you're right once you've lived a little and talked to few people who know... your perspective quickly adjusts. thanks for sharin this
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Thank you Jo-el for your most welcome comments It is true there seems to little time or inclination to find out or understand why these unfortunates are in this situation
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Excellent
This poem is awesome from flow to message; from rhythm to point! I loved the whole thing. I will have to peak at more of your work.
Well done scribe, well done!
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Thank you John for reading this an my others It is nice to know that ones work has a way of reaching others That it is enjoyed as well is even more pleasurable Thank you
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this is an amazing write and i really enjoyed reading it. i also liked the quite unusual rhyming pattern. x
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Thank you so much Rockchick It is always nice to hear fellow poets views on ones work
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I usually don't like rhyming but it's definitely an interesting subject certainly one that's relevant. People can be so cold and for no good reason.
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My thanks to you Lipid for taking time to read and comment It is most appreciated I popped over to your page but i see you have not posted anything as yet I will keep an eye for when you do Welcome to AP
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What is this!? Dear God! How unusual. A featured poem that actually deserves to be featured. Well that is just madness...aha. Honestly that is the first time clicking on a front page poem hasn't let me down. Thank you very much and excellant work.
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Thank you Aesthete for such a wonderful comment I have to thank Fool no1 For spotlighting this one , that it has been received so well is more than I could have hoped for So pleased that you enjoyed the read Thank you
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Best poem I have ever read!
I too had your feelings and judged as I saw
with my nose in the air while observing the poor
But there is no knowing what life has in store
Or what the morning will bring
I nominate this for front page!
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Thank you BaButterfly for you comments they are most appreciated Thank you
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This is truly amazing. Wonderful point of view you've chosen here, and you wrote it wonderfully, also. This is probably the best poem I've read on this site, and if it's not, it's way up there. Haha. I'm sure you completely deserved the trophy.
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Thank you WriteorWrong one always hope that when they write a piece that it will be well received Thia seems to have been What more can a poet ask than their work gets read and enjoyed Thank you so much
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wow woow wow what a great write!!
this is an wonderful write and the story so well expressed that it runs through you as one reads it down... so nice and so expressive.. its like a biography without those unnecessary stuffs inbetween.. the poetry and the story are so beautifully entwined...i liked every verse of it.. every bit of read. it was worth a click and truuly one gets more than what one expects normally from featured poetry here...
Amazing amazing work...
Keep it up!!!
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Thank you Bhabani for taking time to click on and read That you found it pleasing to read Is more than enough reward for me Thank you so much
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