Akkina Downing Poet Sonnet

My Kindness Was Bleached Out

I knew him but very little
He's a father of a boy and he's homeless 
I knew I had to lift him off the cold and dark streets

Took him in, helped him with a job 
Rent free and everything else was on me
I encouraged him to find himself again 
I wanted him to get back on his feet and be 
the grown man and father like he should be

But for the love of God for seven months 
He was buying heroin unbeknown to me
I treated him as a family, never asked him 
for anything but to help himself

Instead my kindness was bleached out
And now his future is without my knowledge 

       Smile 

Akkina R Downing 
    2-10-17

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Silent One December 25, 2017 at 6:02 AM A very different sonnet...Nice to see you trying something different...

Freddie Robinson Jr. August 22, 2017 at 12:33 PM A gritty, truthful poem, Akkina. You extended kindness, asking nothing in return for yourself. He rejected your kindness for his own selfish desires. That last line is memorable ... and now his future is without my knowledge. Stunning pearl of self-awareness shared w/us. The great depth of your humanity is clearly seen in this seminal poem. Great write. Love and more love to you and yours. Akkina Downing August 22, 2017 at 7:24 PM I try my best to help out where I can. Thank you so much Freddie, I am very touched with your sweet comment. Hugs, smile and love always :)

Christopher Flaherty May 19, 2017 at 7:06 PM Help is in the eyes of the beholder If everyone who needed help accepted it Who would need help . Some people are just beyond help and neither I nor you can help them Sadly

Edward Mccall May 11, 2017 at 9:22 AM God bless you for your kindness Kina. This world needs more beautiful people like you. Well done and not just with the poem. Akkina Downing May 11, 2017 at 9:29 AM Awe, thanks Ed, I do try to give as much I can wherever I'm needed :)

Laken Smith May 9, 2017 at 9:56 PM Bless your kind heart. We can not save everyone unfortunately. Some people do not want to be saved. I have been enjoying your poetry. Well done.

James Inman April 28, 2017 at 11:39 AM Akkina, a wonderful and caring gesture from you. A very altruistic vision you had for him. Too bad he did not share your vision or perhaps it is just not time for him. Nice write.

White Wolf April 28, 2017 at 6:12 AM mmm, been there before, Akkina! There are just some people you can't help! Your heart is in the right place, just the wrong person! Thank you for sharing this! 7+

Emile Pinet April 23, 2017 at 5:20 PM Your words took stage and treated the reader to a glimpse of your heart and a peek at your soul. A sad and thought provoking piece worthy of a second look. Emile.

James Horn April 19, 2017 at 6:16 PM Luckily and fortunately have never experienced this before. Or have I and never knew it. That is the whole scary part about the whole thing. Say high to Andrea for me. Jim Horn

Andrea Dietrich April 18, 2017 at 6:35 PM wow, this was a very heartfelt way to express how he made you feel. I really like this poetry, Akkina.

Robert Lindley March 25, 2017 at 7:11 AM Your heart did right my friend, it was his darkness and lost path that was deceiving you and spitting upon your kindness! When a child is in the mix, it is an even worse tragedy.. I HAVE HAD SAME KIND OF TRAGIC EXPERIENCE WITH HELPING SOMEONE--LONG AGO. A7...

Ravi Sathasivam March 6, 2017 at 3:04 AM Excellent poem. Kindness always serves a purpose with heart. Enjoyed reading it.Thanks for sharing it my dear friend.

Doug Vinson February 23, 2017 at 3:36 PM Bless you for your good nature, Akkina. Smooth, straightforward, powerful writing. : ) Akkina Downing February 23, 2017 at 4:13 PM Thank you so much Dough :)

Richard Lamoureux February 20, 2017 at 8:49 AM This is sad but I believe all kindness serves a purpose. Perhaps his little boy witnessed what is possible, that there are people who care enough to try. Blessings to you Akkina. Akkina Downing February 20, 2017 at 5:48 PM Thank you Richard, and yes I hope he'll grow up and do much better in life :)

Daniel Turner February 16, 2017 at 3:26 PM "The old laughing lady" as it is referred to in Neil Young's song. She's got the kind of lovin' you can't keep. Sad poem but so realistic, Kina. That is what junkies do best, deceive! Akkina Downing February 16, 2017 at 4:23 PM I guess I learned that now. Lol!

Bl Devnath February 14, 2017 at 2:50 PM Beautiful poem. Thanks, bl Devnath Akkina Downing February 23, 2017 at 4:15 PM Thank you BL for your visit and comment :)

Probir Gupta February 11, 2017 at 6:23 AM You wanted to eliminate the darkness ... Did a great job ... It is very noble to do for others without any expectation ..a nice poem ... Akkina Downing February 11, 2017 at 8:53 AM Thank you so much :)

Winged Warrior February 11, 2017 at 12:45 AM Remember you did your part my friend...it is well noted...like the great Van Gogh who took in an abanded women and child...just don't go losing your ear lol...great write Akkina...god bless...^WW^ Akkina Downing February 11, 2017 at 8:55 AM Oh gush no. Lol! Thanks WW :)

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders February 10, 2017 at 8:37 PM This is so sad, Akkina, but at least you tried to help. Hopefully, he'll get well one day and remember your kindness. Hugs, Rhonda Akkina Downing February 10, 2017 at 8:47 PM It is sad. I tried my best for him but I just never realized how bad he was on drugs and how scary it was to find out. But thank you so much for your visit and comment Rhonda :)