Inner Anguish

Two men sitting on a stoop
Day dawning as the rush of cars drive by
Drinking coffee from Styrofoam cups

One old, one young, they discuss the weather
Air already warm before the sun has even risen
Not a cloud in the sky to promise rain

Old woman pushing a shopping cart passed the men
Old man nods his head as she shuffles by
All her belongings crammed into black garbage bags

Girl in scrubs waiting at the corner bus stop
Boy in jeans, backpack hangs off one shoulder
Looks about his neighborhood with hooded eyes

Yesterday’s newspaper lays abandoned on the bench
Headlines read Economy in Constant Decline
No change to the everyday existence in the inner city
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Moribund Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Dear Lena: Great poem and what an intersting way of expressing the mundane in such a poetic way, BRAVO!!! Thank you 4 taking the time 2 read and comment on my poem. Yours truly: Sheol
Souders Avatar
August 15, 2009 at 8:17 AM
enjoyed this one , the message so quitely put, but strong at the same time thanks for the write, Johnathon
Mason Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Great imagery here, Lena! I wrote one called The Bag Lady that this reminds me of. So glad you've brought your talent to the Soup!!
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Lena, You've said it like is is!!! Very nice poetic social comentary. And life goes on... Love, Dane
Brown Avatar
August 9, 2009 at 11:10 AM
It is Sunday afternoon here and I am so happy to share this time reading your fantastic poetry Lena. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
August 8, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Vivid and compelling images of a neighborhood stricken by the economic slump that has spread throughout our nation. Very nicely crafted using individuals to illustrate the daily occurrences of inner city life. You made it personal -- very creative touch! Love, Carolyn
Gorelick Avatar
August 8, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Hello Lena, this is quite a wonderful poem. It describes the inner city very well. Well done. BG
Goff Avatar
August 8, 2009 at 8:18 PM
poetic commentary, Lena, well penned! jim
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