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Keep Moving

Missing image

 

 

 

he gazes, half seeing,
thoughts numbed
by circumstance


shuffles his feet
and laughs out loud
causing heads to turn

he apologises for his outburst
and smiles at the irony -
the wording on the box
surrounding his feet …



     KEEP MOVING



again stifleing a chuckle
and wiggleing toes

‘Oh, how these feet can dance’

 

 

 

he sits and waits
counting his blessings -
the past now cleansed by water

a new start, begin again
be what he wants to be ...

 

like the cardboard on his feet
 ... he can move on
      ...he will move on


standing he dances
a soft shoe shuffle -
in cardboard


for just one moment
lightening their grief



and from catastrophe

 

 

  ... hope is born …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

This poem was from the picture that was sent to me by Chuck another poet on this site as a challenge. http://allpoetry.com/csmmoms2

The image is from the disaster that hit New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, here is the link to numerous photos of the time.

http://www.pulitzer.org/archives/5548

In a list

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Comments

1 - 14 of 14
  • Citrus
    March 30

    Edit | Reply

    you clever clogs

    Now see here...I have just finished saying how fabulous the rhyming was on your last piece and here you go and stun me with a most excellant piece of free verse! I adore this piece. The layout was a triumph.I have often wondered while sitting watching the news about the people caught up in disasters, what happens to them and their lives, where do they end up. Actually, if I am honest, it also reminds me what my son did once aged three, with a couple of panty pads.....lol


  • Exit-Stage-Right
    March 29

    Edit | Reply
    An interesting take on an interesting picture. I like the direction that you took the poem. It makes you wonder how much true talent in the world is obscured by something so senseless as poverty.

    Since there are few if any absolutes with free verse, it's hard to comment much on technique, but I do note that over 20% of the words are either "he" or "his". Just a thought.

  • rajuhimanshu
    March 29

    Edit | Reply

    Touchy & realistic

    Poetry on photo! Photo on poetry! Touchy and raelistic !

    Beautifully composed ! Congrats!


  • sweet innocence
    March 29

    Edit | Reply
    wow oh just wowzz!! THis is breathtaking!! It touched my heart , each word written is so powerful...You did an amazing job on this prompt!!
    Beautifully penned


  • csmmoms2
    March 28

    Edit | Reply

    Wow

    A very fine take on the prompt. A true poet can write something about almost any subject. It only takes just a little inspiration. -c

  • graybeard
    March 28
    Edit | Reply

    Fantastic!

    Great write. Hope you won the challenge


  • Howard Manser gold member
    March 28

    Edit | Reply

    ! INCREDIBLE !

    Who would have thought there was so much to be said by words that have no voice, feet that have no destination, and a face that has no identity.


  • Justmenow
    March 28

    Edit | Reply
    wow the power of this poem is undeniable and its obvious that this picture had a great influence over you, it conveyed many powerful emotions and i loved reading it, well done and keep up this great writing, u clearly have a large talent and aptitude for writing, the final line, hope is born, is so powerful and used so well in the context of the poem, many congratulations and once again well done

  • Bad Bill
    March 28

    Edit | Reply
    An excellent poetic response to the picture, Sue. I was in New Orleans in 2007 and saw firsthand some of the aftermath of Katrina - a terrible sight, but as your poem points out, there is always room for hope.

    I agree with Jeff - your free verse is not only good, but it's getting even better!

    All the best,
    Bill

  • Macsword
    March 28

    Edit | Reply

    The photo

    Prompted one very fine write indeed.

    Knowing the background makes this line punishing...

    "his past now cleansed by water"

    excellent.



  • pranj
    March 28

    Edit | Reply
    Highly illuminating poem!
    Hope is a light which can enlighten the most darkest times of human life!
    A powerful write! Superb!

  • Bob Fox
    March 28

    Edit | Reply

    Sue

    An eye opener of a poem. Least we forget just how good we do have it. Can you imagine the outrage at not having matching heels for a dress. Perfect write for the picture & a winner for sure.


  • individuality gold member
    March 28

    Edit | Reply
    a good poem, ah hope there is always hope in life, no matter what hits people, they will pick themselves up and move on, and to smile and chuckle whilst doing so is a great character trait.


  • cricketjeff gold member
    March 28

    Edit | Reply
    Excellent take on the picture, your free verse goes from strength to strength

    Jeff

1 - 14 of 14