Common Man

The traveler reeked of weariness,
His companion was Fatigue
Wear upon his clothes suggest
He'd come a million league.

Gaunt were eyes deep set and brown
Above his cheekbones high
His being was pure somnolence
And I heard his silent cry.

Hard roads had been his travel
The pains chiseled on his face
In lines of furrows on his brow
Permanently enlaced

Around I saw no motion there, then ...
His head began to rise
Finally he looked at me ...
Suffering in his eyes.

So quietly I attended
And with a heavy heart
I wanted so to speak to him ...
But knew not how to start

Within his labored breathing
He then began to speak
His words, when finally spoken
Were truthful and unique

His lips worked to form the words -
Then said; "My name is: Common Man,
I'm a father; I've worked hard;
' always done the best I can.

"The road's become uphill and steep with
Burdens I can't propel
I've tried to move on forward -
But, I stumbled here - and fell.

"There are others on me
Who so do depend
I must move on forward,
This mustn't be my end.

"Now I must reach out to you
'Cause before I've never failed
I'm turning now to you
'Fore on hardships I'm impaled". 

A calloused hand then extended
Toward my outstretched hand
And I want to heed the call
For this Common Man.

But, Greed and Avarice have won
And assistance can't be lent -
Wall Street, you see, owns me now:
I'm Your Government.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Helppi Avatar
November 1, 2014 at 3:04 PM
This was great! I can honestly relate.
Clark Avatar
November 1, 2014 at 3:16 PM
Thank you, Dan, for your kind and encouraging words. Jack C.
Sergi Avatar
June 14, 2014 at 9:43 AM
Hi Jack, nice to know you: A poignant poem of protest and lament for thesuffering of many. My compliments.
Clark Avatar
June 14, 2014 at 9:58 AM
thank you, Ralph. I have read your offering here on Poetry Soup, which you entitled "Flame", and I must tell you I thoroughly enjoyed reading it ... twice! I'll be reading more of your work. Jack C
Lindley Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 8:01 PM
Please ad mine to the tons of favorable comments. I think it a truly wonderful poem . BBBBBBravoooooo!!!!!!!
Clark Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 8:57 PM
Thank you, Robert, for your favorable comment ... it is truly uplifting to read such things. One never knows how poetic offerings will be received and interpreted by others ... and when the reception is positive, the drive to write more is rekindled. Thank you so much. Jack C
Mcconnell Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 5:52 AM
great work here Jack, really well penned indeed, look forward to more from you, God bless, Gordon
Clark Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 9:48 PM
Thank you, Gordon for you kind and encouraging comment. It is warmly appreciated. Jack C
Smith Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 1:59 PM
Ha!.. I am so happy to see this one featured, my friend!!.. Congrats!!.. Arlene..
Clark Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 9:50 PM
Hi, Arlene! Thank you, thank you. You and I gotta' keep our "pens" filled and active!! Jack C
Nehls Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Great poem Jack. I love the rhymes, the imagery, the meter. Wow. the ending. You put it all together my friend. This one is going on my Faves. Can't wait to read some more of your poems.....Robert
Clark Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Robert. I must tell you: Your offering of "Family Life" touched-off many fond memories of my youthful home-life. Jack C
A   Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 7:26 AM
Hello Jack, , Congratulations on having your poem Featured on the Poetry Soups Home Page. Enjoy the coming week. Always & Forever ~LINDA~
Mehta Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 7:24 AM
A piece of good poetry. Keep it up and congrats on your poem selected to be featured, JACK
Clark Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 9:52 PM
Thank you, Dr.. I'm flattered to have had "Common Man" as a selection for this week, and I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Jack C
Smith Avatar
May 22, 2014 at 2:55 PM
Oh! Jack.. Such beautiful imagery!!.. I wanted so badly to pick this man up and help him!!... And the end.. Don't know if you and I totally agree, but seems to me that people that need help are placed behind those that simply want it...Love to you... Arlene
Clark Avatar
May 22, 2014 at 3:28 PM
Glad you liked this one, Arlene. I've had tons and tons of favorable comments about it. I thank you for yours! Keep penning your entries for Poetry Soup ... I really like reading your submissions! Jack C
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