She Walks

Amidst the broken windows  
   The blowing trash on the sidewalks
She walks, cheekbones prominent
   Head held high

Past drunks, huddled against the cold
   Past the shrunken veins of stoned addicts
She walks, leaning into the wind
   Her step steady

Empty lots littered with glass to her right
   On her left, boarded-up residences, nevertheless
She walks, her love for her children
   Filling her tear-stained heart

To a bus stop, then a train station,
   Another bus stop, and then finally
She walks, to those pretty, far-away castles
   To polish her diamonds' futures
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Duet Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 7:01 PM
What a wonderful poem of love and dedication! I can surely see why you placed in this contest. So, congratulations, Gershon. Simply beautiful.
Wolf Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 9:21 PM
Thank you so much, Carole. Appreciate your kind words and support! Happy 2019. Best wishes, Gershon
Rushing Avatar
December 20, 2018 at 6:57 PM
Wonderfully written! I can see this scene in my mind. Congrats on your win in Brian's contest. Have a blessed holiday season my friend.
Wolf Avatar
December 20, 2018 at 7:12 PM
Thanks, Wren. I was hoping that readers would be able to visualize this woman and her struggle. Appreciate the feedback. Best wishes, Gershon
Devonshire Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 7:54 PM
Given her love for children, I wonder if perhaps she is a teacher who has gone to class to polish students' skills. Of course, the striking differences between her workplace and her commute stand alone as metaphors. This also reminds me of a neighborhood I had to walk through on my way to work when I was 18. Used to scare me. Captivating and thought-provoking poetry! Hugs, Carolyn
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 8:01 PM
Thanks for strolling through this one. Appreciate your kind words and support. Season's best! :) gw
Barden Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 6:28 PM
Superb! I love this one, Gershon, and I must add to my favs ... the imagery, phrasing, rhythm, and story are all excellent, and you've woven a tapestry of art here that touches deeply on what we perceive as "little" things in our lives, but how others cross our paths who may be in the throes of tragedy OR delight. An epic, created from snap shots ... lovely! (Oh, the lengths and turns our lives take, for I WAS one of those "stoned addicts" once ... that coat so hard to shed). Blessings, Friend!
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 7:34 PM
Thank you for the generous, effusive praise, my friend...Life certainly takes unexpected twists and turns. Season's best! ~ Gershon
Gentile Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 1:58 PM
The images were so strong in this one Gershon, I could really see each step. excellent !!
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 2:31 PM
Thanks for your feedback here, Mike. I was so hoping that readers could feel her struggle, and you surely have. Very encouraging for me, as a struggling writer. Appreciated. Happy Holidays, my friend. ~ Gershon
Cunningham Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 12:25 PM
There's nothing a determined mother won't do for her children. Well written Gershon. Tom.
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 12:46 PM
Thanks much, Tom. It's good to get your comments again. Hope you are feeling much, much better! Best of the season! Gershon
Kiser Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 10:38 AM
Wow, she is very strong and determined; you've penned her image very well.
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 12:45 PM
Appreciate your kind words, M.L. Best wishes, gw
Gauthier Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 6:20 AM
Powerful imagery and tribute to a strong selfless woman with a big heart brimming with determination for her children. Well penned, Gershon.
Wolf Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 12:44 PM
Thanks for the feedback on this one, Line. Much appreciated. Season's best, Gershon
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace