Death By a Thousand Indignities

Your large stuffed synthetic sack
and the aching bones and muscles
that strain against the pain
of a planet that you're sure must hate you,
are sure that you hate it too.
Your wheels are just large enough
to allow the suicidal stride
of the dire recycler's chariot
which may really be suicidal or worse,
but what, for you, is better ?
Your muscles and bones so busy
that they don't even know the pain,
your chariot wheels so quick and slow
that they don't know what will be,
assuming that anything may be.
Your last fair job was an unfair chance
and your bosses and their trucks are forgotten,
because the bitter angry man
in Tracking & Surveillance
found a reason for you to be fired.
Your last unfair job disintegrated too
and you no longer sit on the back of a pick-up
watching beautiful women and angry men
cutting the night or the morning in half
with cars that could pay a thousand funerals.
You die a thousand deaths.

13th October 2018

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 12/5/2018 2:45:00 PM
Lawrence, I am moved beyond words by this poem. I’ve read it over and over, each time finding more insight into the man you write of. Which really is all men and all women. We each face the disenfranchisement at times in our life. Perhaps I am putting my own experience into what you’ve written, which is the beauty of poetry. I mean no disrespect. Your writing is spectacular. Best wishes. Deb
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 12/6/2018 9:16:00 AM
Thanks so much, Deb, I'm very pleased that you got something from this. Each person will have different interpretations, that's one of the greatest rewards of our art. Your take is very welcome and your visit and comment really appreciated.
Date: 10/18/2018 10:22:00 PM
Excellent collab my friends...supreme writing...love & light...^WW^
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/19/2018 7:53:00 AM
Thanks W's, visit and comment always appreciated.
Date: 10/17/2018 4:43:00 PM
GrEaT poem, Down By Law!! It breathes Sons of Durian fire. Powerful poetry, my talented friend. Supernova write. Love and peace always.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/17/2018 11:30:00 PM
No end of thank yous, Freddie. I'm pleased to see you here, and I'm really glad you enjoy.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
Freddie Robinson Jr.
Date: 10/17/2018 4:44:00 PM
Btw ... brilliant title too. Love and joy always.
Date: 10/16/2018 8:58:00 AM
Ah, I found a real writer with a pen of gold, I loved it.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/16/2018 9:16:00 AM
Thank you, Pixie, far too kind, but I'll take it.
Date: 10/13/2018 9:41:00 AM
It is a great joy for me to have read this, your superb piece on the oft hidden sufferings we face in life. Whether job, health, age, romance or otherwise related. I was right along with you as I read, having many years ago myself experienced similar in my long life and work experiences. A fav and a finely crafted free verse gem,,
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/13/2018 10:43:00 AM
Thanks, Robert, appreciated. A tribute to the disenfranchised is always near and dear to me.
Date: 10/13/2018 7:12:00 AM
You describe so well Lawrence, the drudgery in this man's life..job to job..ache to ache..ending in angst. Sad ending my friend..but such is life.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/13/2018 8:04:00 AM
Thanks Vijay... such is life for the wretched of the earth... glad you enjoyed...
Date: 10/13/2018 5:40:00 AM
Hi Lawrence, I enjoyed reading your words this morning. You are one of those wonderful poets who does make the free verse form sing. You use it to its full potential, giving your poietic skill the scope to sing out your thoughts onto the page. I love the visions that your words paint on the mind's canvas. An excellent write Lawrence. Have a wonderful Saturday. Your friend....Mike.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/13/2018 5:53:00 AM
Thank you, Mike/Vladislav (yours to choose), too kind.
Date: 10/13/2018 12:09:00 AM
Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. -Dylan Thomas
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 10/13/2018 1:44:00 AM
Thanks for visit, I hope you enjoyed.
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