That Kid I Saw In Rio

That kid I saw in Rio,
I can’t forget him,
He hung on my arm, amidst overpriced, flashy hotels,
Past the nightclubs and dazzling neon lights,
That draws tourists like flies to a cottage porch light,
		  ……..
The mix of poor and rich, lined the corners and formed the scenery,
In a city of black and white, no shade of gray,
He was following me, but where did he stay?
Was it in the Favela?
His eyes told me it was far away from the twinkle of riches,
His voice spoke of urgent desperation,
Sir, sir, he said, with subtle hope and aspiration….
To see a kinder world, than the one he’s seen so far,
To hope for so much more, to reach up for the stars,
  . …….
Of all the versions of hello, I’ve singed into my mind,
Through all the coasts I’ve moored, and all the docks my ship has lined,
Where body language bridged the gap with those from distant lands,
When the unknown caused uncertain fear  in greeting fellow man,
Amidst the seas that roared as if the hand of God propelled them,
There's that kid I saw in Rio, and I'll be damned if I forget him.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Congratulations on going on into round two ..Sara
Brown Avatar
November 10, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round of the Poetrysoup site contest Matthew. The best to you in the finals. Love, Carol
D. Avatar
October 15, 2010 at 11:46 AM
MATTHEW, Congratulations! On having your poem featured this week. A poem well deserved, keep the fascinating poetry coming" Nathan D."
A  Avatar
October 15, 2010 at 9:41 AM
GOOD MORNING! MATTHEW, CoNGRATULATIoNS ON HAVING YOUR POEM FEATURED THIS WEEK*luv~SKAT"
A   Avatar
October 13, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Matthew, hello & Congratulations! On your awesome & well done poem being featured this week: ) have a nice one,..p.d. "
Adeite Avatar
October 12, 2010 at 6:45 AM
Congrats on having your poem being featured on the Poetry Soup home page this week. Please keep your creative caps on, let your poetry pen keep painting your poetry pads with colors of creativity. Thanks for sharing this with us and have a wonderful week ahead. Love always, Adeleke
Brown Avatar
October 11, 2010 at 5:40 AM
Congratulations on your wonderful poetry being featured this week Matthew what a great way to have it seen. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
October 10, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Many congrats on your feature this week. Rgds Janette
Ch Avatar
April 9, 2010 at 1:22 PM
nananananananana :p :p :D butt
Ch Avatar
April 9, 2010 at 1:19 PM
WOW !! :D Great job jeeerk !! :D
Kendrick Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Great write.. Got my attention and drew me in.. Sara
Chambers Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Thanks Dave, I appreciate it! I'll have some more coming soon. It is a true account also, a strong memory.
Byrne Avatar
April 3, 2010 at 9:25 PM
This is really good!
Chambers Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 1:59 PM
Well put James, that is very true. One memory reminds us of another. That is why if I am ever blessed with substantial wealth, I plan to use it very wisely. Glad you enjoyed the piece.
Fraser Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 4:22 PM
The tragedy of so many kids, not just the Street Kids of Rio, or the Railway Children of India >> their memories engrave in our memory >> and they will last longer in ours than theirs. Reason being, other memories will see them > for we have frequented them >> nice piece Matthew >> James
Chambers Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Thanks Carol! Unfortunately when you read it, I had left out the last line for some reason, haha. Here's the poem in it's entireity.
Brown Avatar
March 29, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Thank you for sharing your poetry with us Matthew. I wish you the best always in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. Hoping you have a wonderful week filled with inspiration. Love, Carol
Chambers Avatar
March 28, 2010 at 7:34 PM
This is a true story of my time in Rio, check it out :)
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