Address Unknown

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Mark Massey.

We pass their vagrant shrouds each day
then watch as silhouettes excrete
from hovel crates amidst the street.

In fear, we hurry on our way
and if by chance our paths traverse,
we swiftly turn in rude reverse.

While passing through this awkward fray,
we seed encounters with disgust
that yield a bounty of mistrust.

With vain contempt on pomp display,
we see each day of endless blight
indenture to this cloistered plight.

Their souls are left in disarray
to write their simple cardboard prayer
soliciting for those who care.

We pass their vagrant shrouds each day,
in fear, we hurry on our way.
While passing through this awkward fray
with vain contempt on pomp display,
their souls are left in disarray.


"Constanza" (Created by Connie Marcum Wong 2007)


Host:  Mark Toney
Marathon Contest Mile 23
July 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sam Kauffman

Date: 1/13/2023 11:17:00 AM

Congratulations on your win Mark. Connie's constanza makes a perfect poem within a poem format to give additional emphasis to this poignant write with its melancholy spirit. Wonderfully composed. Blessings.

John Watt

Date: 1/7/2023 8:35:00 PM

Mark, very empathetic viewpoint expressed in powerful Constanza form to point out the humanity of a sector that society largely ignores. The accompanying artwork is equally amazing and touching. Well done, and thank you for the poignant reminder ~ John

W J Clarke

Date: 1/5/2023 9:56:00 AM

I enjoyed reading this. Congratulations on your win.

Lin Lane

Date: 1/5/2023 6:26:00 AM

Dear Mark, I've come to relate Connie's Constanza form with melancholy writes. Even before her death, I felt a certain sadness in writing the form, as in my Sunset Constanza. Congratulations on your winning Constanza.

Beata Agustin

Date: 1/5/2023 4:05:00 AM

Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. Meanwhile, by God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy from the Lord toward a prosperous New Year 2023 along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.

Mark Toney

Date: 1/4/2023 8:16:00 PM

Mark, I appreciate your use of "we." "We pass... we hurry... we seed encounters with disgust... we see each day of endless blight." We individually must show empathy and compassion as we address this community issue. Congratulations on your win on Mile 23 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 24 has already started.

Susan Ashley

Date: 1/4/2023 6:09:00 PM

Dear Mark, the beauty of your empathy shines in this soulful poem. You capture both the woeful and scornful emotions within the Constanza frame with your trademark combination of beautiful rhythm, rhymes and poetic finesse. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes and happy new year, my friend.. ~Susan