Under

He crouched among the ‘noble’ men Of so much worth they were much to him As seas carry creatures, he carries hope within How much longer must he wait for them, then- To let him in? A beam of a smile appeared on his face They spoke of beautiful women, in dance and grace Their laughter fed his soul like water quenching fire His confidence low, yet high his most wanted Desire The chatter was of an upcoming banquet With well-dressed lovelies, their speech eloquent Hearts swollen with wine and merriment He longed to live among them With resentment Eyes never glanced his way, he hoped to find A gleam coming to meet him eye to eye And as they spoke with anxious humor, There came over the youth a sudden Tremor He was ready to make himself known In beggar’s clothes he would have shown That he can speak as eloquent as any And that the smallest bodies of waters Are plenty The ‘noble’ men continued their vibrant chat Without a thought of the boy, not e’en a glance When suddenly the youth sprung up, ignited “My friends, I too—I too Am excited!” There was a pause in the chilly air Some men laughed but the host merely stared The beggar man smiled and bowed so nobly They would have never suspected a man of his tongue As lowly The smile disappeared as they continued to jeer And the boy was overtaken with inferior fear At last the host said, “Good man, I am glad you are excited, But do tell me—er...were you ever Invited?” His head went down the kindhearted floor He could not take the unfeeling eyes on him anymore Pained to the marrow of his bones, he shook his head He was never invited, he was never Well fed He ran away with tears in his youthful eyes It is sad how quickly one’s hope can die And all that night no hope remained but hunger, Leaving him driven to survive, not above But under
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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Curtis Avatar
March 20, 2014 at 6:12 AM
Sorry Laura---Skillful poet---is what I meant to write I must get coffee
Curtis Avatar
March 20, 2014 at 6:09 AM
You are a skillful Poem. Who hasn't suffered this once in their lives Well done
A   Avatar
October 3, 2013 at 9:34 PM
Laura, i don't know why the imagery of UNDER takes from his youth... very deep... and powerful.... always~ Linda
Dunn Avatar
September 30, 2013 at 10:48 AM
This is a sad fact that so many are either over looked or never even noticed. So many other are dashed aside without any notice at all. I enjoyed this write thank you for sharing.
Mcdaid Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 3:56 PM
EXCELLENT PIECE OF WRITING I ENJOYED
Kearley Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Poor boy.... He shall survive! :o) Nice write. Something a little different.
Beaufort Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Ah--to be one of the crowd. I noticed you avatar is framed in a hexagon. I don't know how you did that, but it is very clever as usual. This is an interesting story about the haves and have nots. We are about to have a mayoral campaign about this in NY. It should be brutal. Your work is always excellent. Your last comment was adorable. I am very fond of your work as you know. CIAO! I have not posted anything in the past few days, but always come to see what you have done.
Scott Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 12:19 PM
WOW WOW! LOVE THE METAPHORES HERE AND THE TAIL SOUNDS A BIT LIKE ME IN THERE I THINK THE DESIRE IS ALWAYS WELL IN BEDED LOVE YOUR POEM AND VERSE LUV DAVIDSCOTTXX
Ellison Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 9:43 AM
WOW Laura, this one's a heart tugger but brilliantly scribed! Loved it sweet lady... 10 out of 7! Big hugs, Jack xoxoxoxox
Tacito Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Hell of a story. Sadly powerful ending. Wonderful job, Laura.
Manassian Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 3:59 AM
WOW! I couldn't stop reading this tale....You had me going, wondering...what would happen...Sad ending, but a beautiful write...Good one, Laura...hugs
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