The Terror of 16th N' Arrowhead

On this night....

Screaming and yelling is all I can hear
I want to get up, But fear reappears
I swiftly close my eyes But can't fall asleep
I hear a series of shots, From across the street
Once again, It's just like before
I rise to my feet , Then drop to the floor
Shaky legs,  And Watery eyes
Praying prayers,  I just want to survive
Bloodstained spots,Yellow tape surrounding
Broken fragments of glass,Who's underneath
The blanket of death
One cough, One whisper,One last little breath
Family and friends so violently wept
Rants of revenge, Are bellowing near
Frightened eyes, shed clouds of tears

Into the night I slip away
But not so quiet return at day
I blankly stare upon the walls
My breath escapes into a fog
A not so quiet day like this
I feel as if I don't exist
It's kind of late into the game, 
But life goes on, Its all the same
A drink or drug could never heal, 
What's happening is still so real, 
You can't imagine how this feels
A broken heart, A wounded soul
Swollen lips, Dead body cold
A second, A day , A breaths taken away
A minute, An hour, A loss of human power
Every month and every week
So many more lives are taken quickly

Is time running out, Are eyes going blind?
Are ears going deaf? Will there be anything left?
My heart's in remission to end it right here
My body's positioned to stand up to fear
Existence is determined, The struggle against defeat
The time is coming up so fast, Into the night I weep
From the moment we arrived,Terror increased
Now is the time for us to pack up and leave
A hard look at our life, Has made us sober
We have no choice but to start over






My family and I lived through nightmare after
nightmare in our old apartments for 3 years
and just 2 years ago, we moved. Thank God 
he made a way out for us to escape safely.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Wallace Avatar
April 12, 2009 at 8:58 AM
I really like this poem.It rhymes well without compromising the [poetry] itself. Keep up the good work.
Devonshire Avatar
April 9, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Oops, almost forgot to wish you a Happy Easter!
Devonshire Avatar
April 9, 2009 at 12:36 PM
What powerful angst and fear are conveyed in your excellent poem, Tyesha! I'm so glad you let us know you and your family had left this crime-stricken area. I pray that you are safe now, and that "starting over" was not too difficult. This poem literally took my breath away! Love to you, Carolyn
Wordslinger Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 2:13 PM
I like this peom of survial, I like the rhymes. My favorite is this, Is time running out, Are eyes going blind? Are ears going deaf? Will there be anything left?
Atanacio Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 12:39 PM
wow emotionally draining experience well penned
Lucas Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 10:41 AM
very breathe-taking and a very moment living poem....and thnx for ur comment....Love Faire
Jordan Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Tyesha - life is hard when violence is a part of everyday existence - It turns us cold and hard - I reckon we are blessed to be here and to still be capable of compassion and love - Glad to hear that is now in the past - YF4L - God Bless, MJ
Williams Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Expertly portrayed work on the other side of life Tyesha... this is a real window into that world..... thank you so much for your kind comment on YES
Ginn Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 7:03 AM
Oh sweet Ty what you have lived through. The tender heart of a poet living in an American warzone. Im so glad you were able to move.
Richards Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Wow...so many of us have never experienced such threat, ...so well written, and expressed in this amazing poem. So glad to know you are no longer in harms way. love, Carrie
Winter Avatar
April 7, 2009 at 6:08 AM
Sounds like you were living a terrifying nightmare for sure. So glad you and family are now safe. So happy you are here writing, too. Love, Shar
Parish Avatar
April 6, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Scary place to be...Seems the Good Lord was watching over you. I've only seen this kind of stuff happen on TV, but never in real life. I know you were living in a nightmarish situation. I'm so glad you finally got out. Good write Thank so much for your comments on my write.
Chircop Avatar
April 6, 2009 at 11:11 PM
ow my you must feel terrorized my friend,im so happy for you you managed a safe escape,many still struggle in thes situations unfortunately.when we are in year 2009-charma
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