Notes About The Poem

Once again I overshare. Written April 7 2026.

Helter Skelter

The night I spent at the homeless shelter 
Was due to fear of being helter skelter 
By my aunts husband a retired marine
Who pointed a shotgun as he screamed 

I was a guest in their habitat house
It took much less for me to get out
He won’t do it my aunt would say
But I didn’t trust and had a babe

In my arms my curly brown infant
His smile charms except the demented
So I left went by taking a bus
No place to go no one to trust

Eventually I called my father
Despite his addiction he did bother
A friend he knew for us to crash
Live at his home sleep in his pad

Hurricane Hugo hit Charlotte hard
I was blessed despite it by God
During the storm I breastfed
Kept baby warm in quilt red

Sometimes storms are to guide
Despite my circumstances I would fly
Graduate college not once but twice
Lost my desire to sing but instead write

Looking back I know God is a way maker
That me and my son were blessed by Savior
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
April 12, 2026 at 8:50 PM
You earned an A+ in 'character-building.' You would never be the driven dynamo you are now without this experience, I'm sure. ~ Mr. Know-It-All
Jones Avatar
April 13, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Thanks! I will always remember where I have been and feel grateful Gershon.
Dietrich Avatar
April 11, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Wow. It sounds like you have had some really hard times. I am glad you came here to share with us your writing skills . So you are also a good singer? Cool.
Jones Avatar
April 11, 2026 at 4:08 PM
I don’t really sing anymore. But I sang my poem/song Because You Drink & Drive here and was honored Tom gave it first place! Trials and tribulations give you character. Thanks for reading.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
April 9, 2026 at 4:24 PM
oh my, what a trying time. I appreciate the spiritual tone to your words.
Jones Avatar
April 9, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Trials and tribulations build character. Thanks for reading
Edmonds  Avatar
April 7, 2026 at 12:36 AM
That’s so sad Karen, I’m glad all turned out well for you and your son. To right the wrongs and despair the Lord God is always there… Beryl
Jones Avatar
April 7, 2026 at 2:45 AM
It was a time of tribulations and growth! Amen God was there.
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