Donna Jones Poet Free verse

The Neighborhood

I know we love to read of beautiful things 
Hear early morning serenades the song bird sings

See buds blooming into roses perfumed
Within majestic sunset's horizons become consumed

There's another place I lived in for a little while
A neighborhood where somethings didn't make me smile

A child banging on the door, mommy let me inside
Things in the home, I guess from his eyes they must hide

I befriended a boy of ten riding his  bike
Said he always went to me-maws to get a bite

For there was no food in his house to eat
Dad found other things to buy instead of meat

A few days pass, no sign of my friend
There he was riding down the street again

I asked where he'd been, was he alright?
He explained he was recovering from a bad dog's bite

I asked him what the doctor had said
He replied, I sewed it myself with a needle and thread

I reluctantly said, let me see your nice sewing job
He pulled up his pant leg, I choked back  a sob

I asked him if his daddy was ever mean
He shrugged his shoulders, said sometimes it seems

It kinda hurt my feelings when he said to me
Finish him off - right between the eyes
I won't feed a dog that bites
Not worth the ground where he lies

Sitting on his bike, a leg began to sway
Eyes filled with tears, quickly he wiped one away 
Remembering the killing shot he'd fired that day

Toughen up son, is what his father said
Advice given in love, maybe....
Then off on his bike he rode to have some fun...

I know in some places many families still really care
But Mayberry exists only on TV in shades of gray

I moved back to the country where buds bloom into roses perfumed
And into majestic sunset's horizons I can be consumed

©Donna Jones

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Lucilla Carrillo March 9, 2013 at 5:27 PM Donna; this is a real life story. hings like this do happen. Sometimes they can happen anywhere. I live in a somewhat quiet Subburb. One day I was at work listening to the radio when a man called, he said a little boy about 9 years old knocked on his door and ask for food for him and his brothers and sister. The mother had left them alone. It was 2 blocks away from me. Thanks for reading my poem. I made a few mistakes. I fixed them. Lucilla Donna Jones March 9, 2013 at 6:16 PM Yes they do happen in every town in every state everywhere. God must surely have special angels for the children. There is so much we can all do like you said, probably just in our own town to help someone and forget our own vanities and problems if only for a while. Thanks for writing.....Donna

David Williams March 7, 2013 at 3:09 AM Donna an extremely heartfelt write...David Donna Jones March 7, 2013 at 6:30 AM Heartbreaking to experience..especially for him...the whole neighborhood was full of teenagers and children running seemingly unsupervised without rules. I wonder if all towns are like this anymore, I've lived in the country so long...thanks for stopping David

Jack Jordan March 6, 2013 at 10:37 PM I could really feel the pain that boy suffered, both from the sewing and the killing. Strong words! Jack Donna Jones March 7, 2013 at 6:32 AM Memories I'm sure he won't forget. Thanks for stopping Jack

Keith Bickerstaffe March 6, 2013 at 8:09 PM I didn't know what to expect, certainly, from your title, not this piece of pain and sorrow... I was overwhelmed by your vivid portrayal of this terrible tragedy. So very well done, Donna!! Best wishes, Keith Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:21 PM Hello Keith...truth unfortunately is painful for many children. We can keep them in our prayers and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by.

John Posey March 6, 2013 at 3:10 PM Poignant and sadly realistic. You bring pictures with your words that we all should see. This one really touched this old wordsmith's heart. Love Ya much..... Jake Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 5:19 PM Thank you for the kind words Jake .

Demetrios Trifiatis March 6, 2013 at 11:35 AM Expressions of descriptive writing displaying their beauty in the mist of sadness! Marvelous! Thank you! Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 5:22 PM Thank you for taking time to read my poem and stop to speak your kind words Demetrios. Blessings to all the worlds children.

David Fisher March 6, 2013 at 6:42 AM This is such a moving story so wonderfully written. The two extremes go together so well. Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:35 AM Thanks David. I appreciate you reading, and keeping all children in our prayers.

Jack Ellison March 6, 2013 at 6:14 AM Truly a sad tale but one that must be told if the world is ever going to be a better place. Sad but brilliantly and passionately written dear Donna! Huggs, Jack Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:36 AM Thanks Jack, now I'm off to read one of your poems to cheer myself up!!!

Painted Hunter March 6, 2013 at 6:11 AM My, this is a piece with feeling. It was sad and touching...excellent! Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:38 AM Hi Caleb...thanks for stopping...the truth is often sadder than anything I could pretend...blessings..

Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2013 at 5:41 AM I have moved you and your poem to my favorites. Anyone who can evoke such power with their words deserves to be honored. Hugs Rick Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:40 AM This is truly an honor Richard, one for Christopher....thanks..

Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2013 at 5:38 AM I am moved beyond words. Unfortunately there are many parts of this I can relate with. The fact you have written it we must have shared some similar experiences. It was hard to read but I was powerless to stop. You have distilled the emotion to it's rawest form. This is an exceptional piece. Donna Jones March 6, 2013 at 9:42 AM If I really knew what all went on in this world I would go out of my mind with worry..all I can do is pray God gives these children special care...thanks Richard.

Scott Howard Myers The Gypsy King March 5, 2013 at 6:49 PM The way we would like it to be. The way things are. From beginning to end your written draws, positions and crests. Your ending statement punctuates a clear picture....in my mind. Thank you for sharing Donna Jones March 5, 2013 at 7:09 PM Thank you Gypsy King....blessings

Sara Kendrick March 5, 2013 at 6:06 PM Great emotive work..I know that is true in some neighborhoods and in some homes whether in the city or country..I just hope that the number of homes so effected get smaller in number over the years..Thanks for stopping by.Sara Donna Jones March 5, 2013 at 7:12 PM I know these kind of things happen more than we know and children do go hungry right here in our country, sometimes just because parents don't care sometimes not. God bless all the children....thanks for reading Sara

Russell Sivey March 5, 2013 at 2:43 PM This is an incredible and wondrous write my friend! You have written an awesome poem, one of great amazement! It's sad what you spoke of within your piece, but you wrote it so masterfully! What a brilliant poem, Excellent Work!! Donna Jones March 5, 2013 at 7:17 PM Thanks Russell...appreciate it.:-)

Eileen Manassian March 5, 2013 at 2:02 PM Awwwww....how sad. A riveting read. If only we know what burdens little children carry, we would be more willing to stop and listen...as you did! Hugs! Donna Jones March 5, 2013 at 7:22 PM Thanks sweet Eileen. I appreciate your stopping to read today....I hope you and hubby had a wonderful time.....I saw the poem you wrote hubbys home!