SUNLIGHT SLEEPS NOT SOFTLY...
As I see him, hot day in Alabama,
in long, long lines stuck still
like the brutal Sun over this mean world
nearly always showed him the sole of its shod foot.
War veteran, purple heart...
now a janitor;
scrubs kitchen floors at the hospital.
Looking taller and straighter
than any time I remember;
I see his familiar wrinkled brown hands..
neatly folding white papers…
an old man
finally, allowed to vote.
In a list
A contest entry
- Imagination by Cannonsfire.
1750 points, ended November 1, 2007, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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This is amazing! In so few words, to create such a mood and history, how the world "nearly always showed him the sole of its shod foot." A war veteran, allowed to lay down his life for his country but never before allowed to vote, and yet, in advanced age, caring enough to wait proudly in the hot sun for his chance to exercise his rights of citizenship... A tragedy and a triumph both captured in these powerful lines. Bravo!
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I enjoyed this piece. Very creative. You portrayed your thoughts quite well in this poem. You painted a vivid picture. Keep up the good work.
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