Poem a day for 14 April: Sad news days

Written by

NaPoWriMo 2014, New/unpublished poems, Poem a Day

Cityscape. Photo by Robert Rath from over here at Robert’s website.

It’s day 14 and I’m running dry. Today’s poem came from snippets of conversations and sad news reports.

Sad news days

We drain the dregs of imagination
from the base of a glass
our desperation rests in a stranger’s arms
our tears are laced with traces of hope
but fear remains;
the ocean guards its secrets
while twinkling cities
tell tales of the vulnerable:
the elderly, forgotten, in nursing homes;
a young boy, starved for 14 days;
six babies, buried in cardboard boxes.

Comments

10 responses to “Poem a day for 14 April: Sad news days”

April 14, 2014

Ray

Sad news days indeed – a friend’s sister has just succumbed to cancer hours ago leaving a young family behind. With so much cruelty happening everywhere and anywhere, we should really count our blessings.

Reply
April 14, 2014

Jen

I’m so sorry to hear that, Ray. You’re right; it’s important to be grateful for what we have because so many people are a whole lot worse off. xo

Reply
April 14, 2014

Mike H

Some very nice lines there Jen. Especially strong first and last lines.

Reply
April 14, 2014

Jen

Thanks Mike! 🙂

Reply
April 14, 2014

Robert

I once read some philosopher claiming that there is just the right amount of suffering in the world.

… that might be true until it is their turn.

Thank you Jennifer for reminding us to be grateful for our mostly comfortable lives.

Reply
April 14, 2014

Jen

Thanks Robert. It’s hard to accept balance at someone’s expense though. xoxo

Reply
April 14, 2014

glen r

I get the feeling dry thing Jen. I was too, till I got started on one. I think it’s still pretty strong for a dry day. I particularly like the weighty big news stories, summarised in a one pithy poetic phrase. Especially the M370 line. Nice. 🙂

Reply
April 14, 2014

Jen

Thank Glen!

Reply
April 15, 2014

Russ

Pretty good for a ‘running dry’ poem! Beautiful companion piece to Robert’s fantastic photo. As Mike said, great first & last lines.

Reply
April 16, 2014

Jen

Thank you so much, Russ.

Reply