The Loss of Innocence

As I was walking late one night along a downtown street I came upon a sad, sad sight that led to hope’s deplete. The painted ladies paced the night in black stiletto heels, and searched beneath the neon light for what the dark conceals. Along the row of sleezy bars and smoke filled cabarets where lonely men forget their scars and drown their woes away; there walked a girl so innocent, so gentle, meek, and mild; the pains of life lay imminent before this virgin child. She left her home and came out west, from Kansas I believe; the search for stardom was her quest; she thought she could achieve. Her dream be famous and be seen, a movie star to be; to see her face upon the screen and name up on marquee. But fame is such a fickle friend, and always out of reach; when lost, her life did soon descend and innocence impeach. Like those who came before her found, to make ends meet somehow, you had to compromise your ground, give up, give in, and now she’s doomed to always walk the night in black stiletto heels, and search beneath the neon light for what the dark conceals. And this, my story thus concludes a tale of childhood lost; for most the quest for fame eludes, and comes at such a cost.
April 30, 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Nicole Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 1:35 PM
Perhaps her story would have been different, if she had scribbled outside the lines. Meaning: Dreams can always be reached, but sometimes- we have to be patient. Sometimes though, they don't come true, but never become less than your worth. Congratulations John, on this win. ~ Brandy
Gondolf Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 3:02 PM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Brandy, as always I truly appreciate your support. John
Allison Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 2:52 PM
such a touching poem John, many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Gondolf Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 3:29 PM
Thank you, Jan, I appreciate it.
Devonshire Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 4:54 AM
I remember reading this previously, John, and was reminded of the tender concern it evoked for the girl. Congratulations on your second-place win! Competition was great and your entry was among the best. Best wishes, Carolyn
Gondolf Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 5:11 AM
Thank you so much, Carolyn, and thanks for hosting the contest. Merry Christmas to you and yours. John
Da Avatar
August 2, 2018 at 10:50 PM
I hope those who exploit the innocence of the youth get to read this poem and let their conscience be stirred. This is a beautiful piece.
Gondolf Avatar
August 3, 2018 at 4:17 AM
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Karen, I appreciate it. John
Gentry Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 11:24 PM
Back to congratulate you again for your win again. Sad, heartbreaking poem.
Gondolf Avatar
July 14, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Thank you, Susan, I appreciate your support so much. John
Ashley Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 10:11 PM
A powerful poem expressed with a gentle finesse, John. Congratulations with your wonderful win. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Gondolf Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 10:39 PM
Thank you so much, Susan, I appreciate your support. Best wishes. John
Roper Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 5:58 PM
Congratulations on your awesome win. Nicely done... Hugs Eve
Gondolf Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 6:36 PM
Thank you, Eve.
Hamilton Avatar
July 12, 2018 at 9:37 AM
Congrats John on a nice rhyming poem, and a fine placement!
Carber Avatar
May 11, 2018 at 7:59 AM
You've done a remarkable job painting a scene worthy of a canvas, making it come to life in that profound sadness and loss that some lives, for whatever reason, are condemned to-- congratulations on your win.
Gondolf Avatar
May 11, 2018 at 8:30 AM
Thanks so much for this wonderful comment, LJ, and thanks for reading my poetry, I appreciate it. John
Gordon Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 2:16 PM
Wow, such a powerful and emotional poem John... so sad, but congrats on your top win :)
Gondolf Avatar
May 11, 2018 at 4:09 AM
Thank you so much, Pailey, I appreciate it. John
Gauthier Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 1:22 PM
A very touching and well penned story, John. Congrats on your top win.
Gondolf Avatar
May 11, 2018 at 4:05 AM
Thanks, Line, I appreciate it.
Turner Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 8:36 AM
Powerful!:)
Gondolf Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 9:43 AM
Thanks, Natasha, I appreciate it, and thanks for taking time to read my poetry. John
Gentry Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 12:57 AM
Congratulations on your #1 win with this sad but real poem. Kind of haunting.
Gondolf Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 6:31 AM
Thanks for your comments, Susan, and thanks for the visit. I appreciate it. John
Horsman Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 5:06 AM
love the sincerity and caring here, John, in what is a wonderful poem..
Gondolf Avatar
May 8, 2018 at 5:12 PM
Thanks, Harry, I appreciate your comments and visit. John
Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 2:24 PM
When we see these young girls, we often wonder how they were led to life on the streets. As you describe so beautifully, John, many of these girls probably had dreams of success when they first left home. A very touching story told in verse. Love, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 4:11 PM
Wise thinking, John. I'll leave the judging to God.
Gondolf Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 2:36 PM
Thanks for your thoughts, Carolyn. I'm sure there are a thousand reasons why people end up on the streets and I'm certainly not going to judge them lest someone might judge me. John
Cunningham Avatar
April 30, 2018 at 10:14 AM
Such a shame for many when they find that the streets are not paved with gold and end up in a life of sleeze and drugs, too proud to go home. Great narrative John. Tom.
Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 2:24 PM
I think most of the time their parents wold welcome them if they went back home, Tom. So sad.
Gondolf Avatar
April 30, 2018 at 10:32 AM
Thanks, Tom, I appreciate it. John
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