deepundergroundpoetry.com

A glimpse of  life

Today I caught a glimpse of what my future might hold.
I saw it in the tired eyes, above the smile, of a woman old.
She comes into my store daily, with calm peace upon her face.
Living her life with lone determination, some regrets, and yet full of grace.
Always kind and giving, I see her interaction.
With others who give her less than a fraction,
of the same respect and courtesy.
Never looking beyond themselves to consider who she is.  
Not knowing the price she’s paid or that she has faced adversity.

She was the oldest of ten raised on a farm, during the Great Depression.
With no education past 4th grade, and a father who ruled their home with heavy fisted oppression.
She was a widow before the age of thirty four.
With bills to pay, children to feed, and too few memories
of a husband who never returned from war.
In her loneliness and sorrow she found brief comfort in the arms of a deceiver.
His true colors coming out one night, in a fit of rage, as he beat her.
As time passed her heart never healed, but her children grew.
Her oldest ones moving out and starting families of their own, as children often do.
But at 18 her youngest went off to Nam,
The horrors of war, returning to her the empty shell of a man (her boy forever gone)
And after 10 years home, he fighting demons in his mind with drugs and drink, her praying he would get stronger.
He took his own life, leaving a note for her; asking for forgiveness, but saying he could go on no longer.
She worked hard every day, as a cashier at a local downtown store
Side seamstress jobs and occasionally babysitting; a lack of education never giving opportunity for something more.
She gave her heart years ago to one man
Thou he’s been gone a lifetime, she still wears his ring upon her hand.
She gave her life to her children, working, loving and caring to no end.
Her offspring successful and happy, at holidays always make the time to spend.
I’ve often heard her give thanks to the powers above
Never speaking ill of others or complaining about things she can’t change
She shows her children, grandchildren and friends respect and love.
Some would say her life was tragic, but if you asked her; she would say that she was blessed.
Having known true love, learned from difficult lessons and had pleasure of watching her children grow.
I’d say she was a living example of quiet strength and determination;
Having never broken but bending as the harsh winds of life did blow.


While different are we, she and I are somewhat the same.
I’ve children to raise; by the man, who gave me his name.
Not a widow am I, but a divorce statistic; and also a survivor of abuse from past lover.
The scars and fear, with I smile, I know how well to cover.
I’ve given my heart to one man, who because of distance and personal issue:
Sadly, his touch has become a cherished and tear stained memory.  
My children I love with every breath, for them I do all that I can; however, due to lack of education
I work twice as hard, secretary by day and at night here at this gas station.
I pray as the years pass me by and my life comes to it’s end
That I have not grown bitter and hollow
I hope to be grateful for all that life as offered, the good and the bad
Like the old woman who comes in here, not having been broken,
I having had, the strength to bend.
Written by domore2014
Published
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