Notes About The Poem
 

The Promised Land

Again and again, I scrape through the sand encrusted
macadam pavement, avoiding patches of sunken sorrows,
embossed in tv jingles, uttered from the lips of politicians,
grinning, toothless, at the wandering
immigrants, eager to find no home.
  Against the soundtrack of minimum wage, scores
of campesinos work double shifts, avoiding traffic
tickets, the long dark hallway that leers at happiness,
trembling in freedom.
  Only Sundays promise solace, playing soccer
with friends, the air biting with the coming winter,
warmed by bowls of steaming menudo.
  Once more, the crows, perched on highway lights,
mock the empty alleyways, where crushed beer cans,
and broken tequila bottles litter the sunrise,
unwilling to quench my thirst,

                                                        …..unwilling

                                                                        To quench

                                                                                         my thirst



© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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

Borisov Avatar
October 7, 2010 at 8:56 AM
The description of all the scenes in the poem seems to be so vivid and candid that makes me empathize with you.
Babcock Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 1:28 PM
I think many think the same way. The political agenda is broken and needs repair. Lots of job losses, home losses and frustration all around. God Bless Phyl
Kendrick Avatar
September 30, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Great expressive and descriptive write..I am glad that I chose this one to read this eve...Sara
Richards Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 8:37 AM
A power pack poem of frustration and emotion. This is how so many are feeling....that hopeless feeling we often have. A wonderful, expressive, thought provoking poem, James! Well done!
Devonshire Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 8:25 AM
During the last election, we voted based on promises of change. What happened to them? Our society continues in a downward spiral, Jimbo, and it's going to take more than promises "to quench my thirst" when I go to the polls in November. Powerful write, my friend! Love, Carolyn
Locksley Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 8:22 AM
The politicians make so many promises, but rarely do they deliver. Just look at the state of our country as you described here. I'm trying to "tune out" all of the political ads right now. Each candidate attacks his or her opponent and no matter which one gets elected, I don't think we'll ever see "The Promised Land." Best to you, Diane
Culverhouse Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 6:45 AM
enjoyed reading today...
Peranteau Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 6:22 AM
Great write Mr. Goff ! james
Palli Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 5:52 AM
Wow! Excellent write.
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