James Marshall Goff Poet Free verse

Dreamtime: Caravan of Hope

The road seems endless
Nighttime quickens fear
Unfamiliar, a stranger
In this bus
The air, humid and thick
With danger, angry
Glances swim upstream
Avoiding fallen hate
At first, some were friendly
As hours and days passed
They disappeared, maybe
Changing direction, or
Means of transport, as
Streetcars rattled down the
Middle of the road, always
Heading back to sadness
Women keep their heads
Cloaked tightly, not drawing
Attention, counting on safety
In numbers, various maladies
Afflicted many, silently praying
God is leading them to help
At various moments, fights break
Out, angry words, punches, flotsam
Sometimes wildly swinging knives
Clanging off the sides, a middle
Peace ensues, imaginary walls
Erected, unspoken truce shifts
Uncomfortably
The end, unknown...

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Valsa George November 27, 2021 at 6:03 AM Here I see the metaphor for life... ! On Earth, we have a tortuous journey among hostile co travellers. There are ups and downs and potholes on the way. Those who are friendly, they get down in different stops. Often brawls break out and the road ahead may seem endless. But God helps. This hope enables us to steer through. Great write James. James Marshall Goff November 27, 2021 at 8:10 AM Thanks Valsa! Praise Jesus!

James Peranteau October 16, 2021 at 5:58 AM ....well, i know now that you are the gutsy fellow(az in fellow poet*sm)...perish the thought that you bustled through thuh city sir ;)....have a great season James...much love, james p.s...you had me caught up in your writes! James Marshall Goff November 27, 2021 at 8:10 AM Thanks James! Same to you!

Judy Ball October 11, 2021 at 4:22 PM WoW! Sounds like the big city and public transport late at night. Scary stuff. Good job here. Great imagery . God Bless, JB James Marshall Goff October 11, 2021 at 10:53 PM Thanks JB!

Bj Legros Kelley September 29, 2021 at 6:21 PM "Afflicted many, silently praying God is leading them to help.' Uplifting, thank you! This is soul stirring. It brought my mind back to the joyous days of the streetcars of San Francisco when I was little, the joy of innocent childhood, to today's sadness. There is hope past the sadness, my hope is in Jesus. His peace & love, surpasses understanding. He paid the price (if we accept). He is the way to joy, a destination at the end of sadness. Peace, joy & love for all tribes, tongues and nations! James Marshall Goff September 29, 2021 at 10:18 PM BJ...thank you for such an insightful comment, Praise Jesus!

Joe Maverick September 23, 2021 at 3:30 PM All ends are unknown I guess, as there will Always be another beginning, at least if you Are in God's saving grace Jimbo..' I'm sure you Told me you didn't t mind that moniker I think That was some years ago now, as years go Anyway..' Now where was I? Oh yes new start Etc' the only place there won't be a new start Is hell I would think.? Anyway a get you thinking Piece here thanks for taking time go visit my Blog, all the best.' James Marshall Goff September 23, 2021 at 8:31 PM I signed off as Jimbo yrs ago, Joe, I always know a long time supporter that way, cool! Praise Jesus!

Brian Strand September 22, 2021 at 1:28 AM Like the conversational style Jim,easy on the ear James Marshall Goff September 22, 2021 at 3:06 AM Thanks Brian! I always follow your theory of writing to best be read aloud...

Constance La France September 16, 2021 at 8:03 AM James, I was on that endless road with your twisting and turning this way and that, changing, excellent writing ~ peace and tranquility _Constance James Marshall Goff September 16, 2021 at 7:42 PM Thank you Constance, glad you joined me! James

Wilma Neels September 16, 2021 at 6:17 AM Hey James, hope you are doing good. Thank you for popping in on my side.. Sorry i have been so quiet.. Good to be reading you again :) James Marshall Goff September 16, 2021 at 7:43 PM Nice to see you Wilma, God Bless You!

Mystic Rose Rose September 16, 2021 at 3:37 AM wow James, I have no words for this one except I felt that . Your poetry is deep and active in my mind, Thanks for being so gifted, have a precious day . James Marshall Goff September 16, 2021 at 6:00 AM Thank you Vie! I don't write anything, I have no idea (well, I do) what moves my hand, pushing ink across my page, I'm just grateful God Loves Me

Beryl Edmonds September 15, 2021 at 5:29 PM When will it end, who knows. With so much evil and hatred in the world today the only thing for us is to pray for peace in the hearts of all people. A fine write James… Belle James Marshall Goff September 15, 2021 at 6:17 PM Yes Belle, must keep peace in our hearts to be filled with God's Grace so we can reach out in His Love

Shirley Candy September 14, 2021 at 4:28 PM Thought provoking words you have here James. I enjoyed every line of it. ?? James Marshall Goff September 14, 2021 at 6:58 PM Thanks Shirley, I was channeling numerous migration stories I am aware of into one stream of consciousness, glad you visited, james

Judy Ball September 11, 2021 at 7:11 AM WoW! Life in the big city. To a country girl like me it's all the more reason to hate being surrounded by concrete even more. My husband promised me he would take me back to the country when he retired. He lied. We are still in the city. Hate it. Love the country and plan to go back. Great write. God Bless, JB James Marshall Goff September 11, 2021 at 8:05 AM Thanks Judy!

Jan Allison September 10, 2021 at 6:03 PM thought provoking piece James we can only hope for a better future but seeing the news is so painful to watch:-(hugs jan xx James Marshall Goff September 11, 2021 at 8:06 AM Hi Jan! Thanks!

Heidi Sands September 3, 2021 at 8:17 PM Wow James! Excellent poem :) James Marshall Goff September 4, 2021 at 2:32 AM Thanks Heidi!

CayCay Godwin September 2, 2021 at 4:17 PM Your write made me pause to think and ponder because it is interesting enough to stimulate a soul-depth think. All the best ... CayCay CayCay Godwin September 2, 2021 at 6:36 PM I am an extremely empathetic person. Sometimes it is a blessing allowing me to show genuine and healing sympathy, and sometimes it is overwhelming emotionally, but it is always the way I was made. You, too! The world needs us and we must carry on!!!! So glad we shared a conversation - I enjoyed it. James Marshall Goff September 2, 2021 at 5:42 PM Yes CayCay, a stream of consciousness upon waking from a dream directly to paper, sometimes I feel others pain

Mohamed Omar August 31, 2021 at 11:15 AM Too deep ,too beautifully composed , thanks James Marshall Goff August 31, 2021 at 2:59 PM Thank you Mohamed!

Richard Lamoureux August 30, 2021 at 1:55 PM It is harder to remain hopeful with all that is going on in the world. This provides a glimmer of hope. James Marshall Goff August 30, 2021 at 3:14 PM Hi Richard! Hope all is well with you! I just got a knee replacement, pure agony rehab, but getting better!

Sara Kendrick August 29, 2021 at 3:09 AM Yes, the end is always unknown but we strive to plan ahead for a known end but we can't control everything. Thank you for dropping by my page and telling me you will be praying. We are better but still very weak. We give out from just barely moving but with God's help we will make it. Sara James Marshall Goff August 29, 2021 at 4:24 AM Yes, God's Grace will save us Sara, nice to hear from you!

Jennifer Proxenos August 27, 2021 at 12:38 PM 'The road seems endless - nighttime quickens fear ....... at various moments, fights break, at various moments angry words, punches ...... 'The end unknown' Your caravan of hope is definitely a way out, even if 'at first some were friendly,' would it last or turn to hate, like Harry, I would join you and your Caravan of Hope' Blessings, hugs Jennifer Glad to meet you James. James Marshall Goff August 28, 2021 at 3:26 AM You're welcome aboard, Jennifer, love your ink!

Eve Roper August 27, 2021 at 10:54 AM James, your poem is full of awareness of what is out in the world... I worry everyday of the inhuman person that want to take what is yours even your life. Enjoyed reading, James. Thank you for stopping by and reading my work. James Marshall Goff August 28, 2021 at 3:27 AM Hi Eve! thanks for stopping by!

Susan Lawrence August 19, 2021 at 2:32 PM James, Heartfelt, dark and hopeful. A mirror of the way many feel inside. Visceral fear and hopes for better days. A simple act of kindness goes a long way . A vibration of good intention can ripple through even the coldest heart. All the best to you and yours, Susan :) James Marshall Goff August 20, 2021 at 4:23 AM Thank you Susan!

Anitha Jayasankar August 18, 2021 at 1:38 AM A thoughtful poem on how much we hope and long for a 'peaceful world'... so well penned James... God bless.. ~ Ani James Marshall Goff August 19, 2021 at 12:23 PM Thanks Ani!

Harry Horsman August 17, 2021 at 11:00 PM A poem of 'how it is today' Yes i too join the caravan of hope. James Marshall Goff August 19, 2021 at 12:23 PM Thank you Harry!

Brandy Nicole July 16, 2021 at 7:11 PM In the world, many are uncomfortable, simply waiting for calm to arrive. This is so tender and heartfelt. My best to you. ~ Brandy James Marshall Goff July 17, 2021 at 7:54 PM Thanks Brandy, we all suffer silently at times, if a smile or little act of kindness brings even a moment of light to a fellow traveller, it is enough...

Phyllis Babcock July 14, 2021 at 11:56 AM A very descriptive poem on people who are looking for hope. Well said. love phyl James Marshall Goff July 15, 2021 at 1:37 PM Thanks Phyllis! I'm not on fb anymore due to them censoring Every...meaningful topic I was interested in...just like ccp...nice to chat here! always your friend, jim