Edwin Hofert Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

It is my solemn prayer. That this testimonial poem is not viewed as being written about poor me. But as a victorious tribute to the healing power of poetry. For without poetry as my outlet. I do not believe I would be here today.

That is why for each of you here on Poetrysoup I hold you in such high regard. I know the courage it takes to write from the depths of your soul. I know the fears one must overcome. And I know the rewards are often unseen but deeply felt. You have earned my utmost respect. Long before we even met. Sincerely Ed

Edwin Hofert

Edwin C Hofert

4-14-15

I was born in nineteen sixty the lion is my sign.
All my clothes were handed down there was nothing I called mine. 
There were six of us called siblings we didn't turn out too bad.
Raised by a single mother, raised without a dad.

I used to love to be alone, I played all by myself.
Bottle caps and string for toys, just one book on my shelf.
One time sitting in my room there finally came the day.
My mother came to where I sat and sent me out to play.

Time went on the way it does I struggled to be cool.
I made friends all on my own and found my way to school.
Then came the day in the fifth grade I'd never be the same.
The teacher said to write a poem, a poet I became.

Times were hard and we were poor somehow we all got by.
Laughing when the laughter came and learning how to cry.
There were times throughout my life that there were things I'd lack.
The worst times of my life it seemed, poetry called me back.

Molested as a little boy there's things we can't control.
He might have stole my innocence but God still saved my soul.
Often in the dark of night, my prayers for childhood dreams.
Drowning in the drunkenness and in my mothers screams.

There's really not much more to say some things we cannot plan.
Time went by the way it does and I became a man.
Haunted by the memories I admit there's tears I cried.
Told my father died when young then I found out she lied.

Again my world came crashing down I crumbled to my knee.
Once again I found my voice inside my poetry.
Better for the life I lived not in the normal fashion.
Somehow I learned empathy, somehow I learned compassion.

Learning through my darkest days there's battles we can't win.
But you can never lose the war if once more you rise again.
So I'm standing once again through times as dark as night.
Helping, healing others in the healing words I write.
Edwin C Hofert

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Judy Konos April 16, 2015 at 6:45 PM The little boy has grown up to become a man with broad shoulders. Joyous it is to find that others can now lean on you. Smile child of God. Edwin Hofert April 16, 2015 at 6:47 PM Smiling :)

Nandita Das April 15, 2015 at 6:29 AM I love reading bios. This is a deep and honest write. Your integrity shines through...#7 Edwin Hofert April 15, 2015 at 8:37 AM Thank you Nandita. I had hoped it came through as a poem of overcoming. Your comments help me believe I've accomplished it. God bless. And thanks again. Ed

Charmaine Chircop April 15, 2015 at 6:14 AM I love who you were because it made you who you are...A strong and down to earth being,ready to help others with your present and past..Charma Edwin Hofert April 15, 2015 at 8:41 AM Thank you Charmaine. It used to be much more difficult to write about the things of my past. But it's true that in embracing those things has helped me to find who I'm supposed to be. Helping others has helped me more than I could ever imagine it would. Your comments mean the world to me. Thank you. Ed

Jan Allison April 15, 2015 at 4:00 AM Edwin I have read similar life journeys on here - simply heartbreaking story so sensitively penned - I wish this could be seen by others who have suffered abuse simply to know they are not alone - a story of hope:-) Hugs Jan xx 7 and faves - I do hope you get many reads Edwin Jan Allison April 15, 2015 at 10:18 AM Thanks for the lovely comment Edwin - I would love to see this as poem of the day so it gets more exposure - so much of our early lives is hidden but your story needs to be told - a shining example of hope in the face of adversity:-) hugs Jan xx Edwin Hofert April 15, 2015 at 8:45 AM Jan words cannot express the encouragement that you embody for me. Life is sometimes unfair when we are young. But it does not have to define who we will become. We simply must never give up. And now I know I never will. Thank you for being here. Ed

John Fleming April 14, 2015 at 10:26 PM Very nicely done, Ed, very nicely done...this poem has both integrity and dignity - it was a privilege to read it!! My very best regards, Ed!! :) john. A "7". Edwin Hofert April 15, 2015 at 8:47 AM Thank you John. It becomes more clear to me that as I'm helping others. It's here that I come to be refueled. Thank you sir. For your part in that. Ed

Barbara Gorelick April 14, 2015 at 9:53 PM Oh my, this is a wonderful, open write and even though it was emotional to read, I enjoyed it. Glad you find poetry a release, as I do. BG Edwin Hofert April 15, 2015 at 8:50 AM Thank you Barbara. There comes a release when my stories told as if in doing so I'm actually making room for new and more pleasant things in my heart and mind. Memories yet to unfold. Thank you so much! Ed

Cam Mac April 14, 2015 at 9:29 PM This poem is really deep, I like it. I can sort of relate to you in that growing up life was hard for me too. I just started writing poetry, It's amazing how much better it can make you feel by getting this stuff off your chest. I would appreciate it if you checked out some of my recent stuff, it would really mean a lot.