The Road She Walked

She kept walking—until emotions burst.
Weeping, she cried out in a public space,
Where no one cared enough to stop or see
The woman breaking at the corner of the road.

In her sobs, a memory returned:
A voice, a message—
New beginnings,
And a man who stood like a torch of light
In the dim glow of night.

But greed mocked her,
And laughter echoed in that cruel place—
A dungeon of fire.
Still, God sent a kind-hearted rescuer.

She was hungry, tired, and pale,
On the edge of vanishing into the day.
No food, no coin,
Just emptiness and dry hope
Wishing to leave,
To be anywhere else but there.

To connect in the world of paradise
Where in that place could she find?
Where in that place she was betrayed 
Where in that place, she begged for kindness.

It's a truth that she will bring
And the hope and courage in her heart that will forever be treasured until she finds a place that she can call "home".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Bell Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 9:11 AM
How many others walk down that same road. For some, it must be a road of dread, for others, destiny. Sadly, we will all reach that final place, and for some, that is truly home.
Velasco Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
So true—everyone’s journey is different, but that final destination connects us all. It’s a mix of fear, hope, and acceptance. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful reflection.
Fleming Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Powerful - powerful - powerful!! Love this kind of poetry. The bitter/sweet. The hopelessness...but underpinned with resolve and hope. Made of great stuff this poem - much enjoyed! :) john
Velasco Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
John, thank you! You really got to the core of what I was trying to express. Life’s full of that bitter/sweet mix—and I try to honor both sides in my writing. Your support and thoughtful reads always lift me up. So glad you enjoyed it!
Rose  Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Rowena dear often the souls suffer many years of loneliness and hunger, how wonderful it is when someone reaches out with a helping hand, and helps you believe in life and love again, very well written. Thank you for sharing.
Velasco Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Thank you so much! Yeah, it’s amazing how just one kind person can make all the difference after a long, tough journey. Really appreciate your words!
Dietrich Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Very descriptive of a woman with a very difficult path of life. Nice metaphors, Rowena.
Velasco Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Thanks a lot! Yeah, I was really trying to capture her tough journey—glad the metaphors came through!
Ashley Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Dear Rowena, the power of your poignant poem transports me to this harrowing realm of "the road she walked" where her pain in unseen, unheard by mere mortals; are they heartless, or willingly ignorant to her plight, are they too tightly bound by their own struggles too? The voice in the poem is deep and resonate with pain and courage and resilience.. I hope she finds her "home" (and a return to soul-form or rebirth?) where she never feels the pangs of hunger, fatigue or outcast again, but only feels Love and Kindness in the Light where her "hope and courage in her heart will forever be treasured". Your soulful imagery and metaphors are moving, I was especially struck by "a man who stood like a torch of light" - Potent! The beauty of your empathy shines in your amazing verse. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Velasco Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Hi Susan, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I'm really touched that the poem spoke to you that deeply. Yes, I also hope she finds peace and light in the end. Your support and empathy truly mean a lot. Big hugs, my poet friend!
Poet Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Rowena, a poem of this class, tackles issues of pain, resiliency, and the potential for atonement by empathy and connection. It depicts a painful journey that ends with indications of hope and rebirth.
Velasco Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words!
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