silent ghosts along the boulevard walk
from early morning to the sun's retreat
where many fearful people sometimes talk
from behind darkened doorways of the street
...
political pride her reward demand
from all inhabitants of a nation
quietly drawn by obscurity's hand
in service to debt's accumulation
...
insanity reigns among the elite
calling evil good for prosperity
in a dying democracy replete
with her outspoken insincerity
...
violence lingers silently beyond
reason's border without understanding
demanding fervent followers respond
to a charismatic fool commanding
...
integrity unwanted turns away
from growing government condescension
for announcing independence dismay
over lady liberty's suspension
...
wherefore wisdom comprehend not darkness
in an outspoken politician's heart
when contemplating future lawlessness
to force a nation's goodness to depart
...
senseless death upon innocence descend
amidst the quiet days of summer heat
when reputation violence defend
against baseless lies of power's elite
...
Homelessness
silent ghosts along the boulevard walk
from early morning to the sun's retreat
where many fearful people sometimes talk
from behind darkened doorways of the street
daytime wanderers take refuge at dark
in densely treed properties remaining
hidden till morning's light skyward embark
upon today's eager search sustaining
hopeful outcasts seek for a better day
but cannot find the way yet untaken
while searching for assurance in dismay
when a new reality awaken
helpful hearts upon every hill approach
to gather together children broken
lost souls upon whom circumstance encroach
with life's many treacheries unspoken
caring people volunteer precious time
to listen to the many stories told
trauma's history leading toward crime
and violent addiction uncontrolled
anointed shepherds lead the way unseen
to a better beginning tomorrow
where character's instruction intervene
for building skills to wipe away sorrow
self-sufficient behavior learned anew
awaken thoughts of coming better days
where integrity's recompense debut
with transformation's gratitude ablaze
cannot one ever conquer homelessness
with so many resources brought to bear
for ending habitual helplessness
redeems another from endless despair
first published on kengilbert.com, April 23,2014
discussions #246. Copyright © 2014 by Ken Gilbert. All rights reserved.