Missing

A transit stands at fifth and Main
Dressed in shabbiness- he stinks and is stained
To passers-by he offers a sign
 Disabled American Vet- reads a proud cry

On a kitchen floor a battered wife sits
Her nose bleeds- it just won’t quit
As her husband madly flies out the back door
She blames herself ever the more

As he walks his dog- he reads the poster sign
A little girl is missing- have you seen mine 
Another statistic of worldly lustful crime
Perhaps he will see her on a **** five & dime

When viewed from a distance tragedies seem remote 
No Compassion is needed-not even hope 
We greet one another not by our kissing
We wallow our life in what is truly missing

3/9/12
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Merryman Avatar
March 13, 2012 at 3:26 PM
Congrats on your win with this sobering write, Mark! Love, Kim
Poet Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Congrats Mark on your win.Enjoyed the read.
Williams Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Mark congrats on your win, David
Brown Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Susan's "Missing" contest Mark. Love,Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 8:14 AM
congrats Mark on a wonderful write and win .. a stirring portrait in words for Missing contest luv..
Goodson Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 8:52 AM
Thank you Linda. I was inspired by an American vet who came up to me for some money. I offered to take him to my church where the pastor saw to his needs. Since that time, he has gotten a job at Walmart and is attending church regurarly. I was glade to have been a part of getting this man help.
Susan Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 8:11 AM
Congratulations on your win! a very real piece - great voice :)
Goodson Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 8:56 AM
Thank you Susan. Even though "Missing" seems so dreary and negative, I finished it with pondering self-questioning thought- Am I a caring individual enough to make a difference?
Squyres Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 7:38 AM
This pulls at my heartstrings !! So much sadness and cruelty in the world. Lord help me to be ever mindful of your love and share it !!
Goodson Avatar
March 12, 2012 at 8:58 AM
Thanks Debra and thanks for having these contest to stir one's writing.
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