deepundergroundpoetry.com
SOBREVIVIENDO
[SURVIVING]
(Written for the "Ghetto Life" competition)
Edificio condenado
reads the sign
nailed to the ancient wooden door
now permanently ajar
Trepidatiously
scaling creaky stairs
visible damp, cold air
settles in my bones
A baby’s cry guides me
walking down the apartment corridor
lit only by a solitary, broken window
light struggling to filter through the grime
Answering my knock
a skinny, shirtless, dirty-faced boy
swings the door wide
¿Qué quiere?
At first unable to respond
overcome by the stench
from unwashed bodies, raw sewage
mold, coating the walls like open sores
¿Están tus padres?
Mi marido no está
he lives with another woman down the block
a ghost of lady says, approaching the door
Though hollow-eyed from fatigue and hunger
a hint of the once beautiful creature shone through
clutching a hungry baby to her breast
surrounded by four other small mouths to feed
One frail daughter
disfigured in a fire
is described as an asset to the family business
begging for their sustenance
Daily displayed on the subway steps
her scars by her mother exposed
hoping the pitiful sight
will coax more limosna from passers by
Oh what a charmed and privileged life do I lead
(Written for the "Ghetto Life" competition)
Edificio condenado
reads the sign
nailed to the ancient wooden door
now permanently ajar
Trepidatiously
scaling creaky stairs
visible damp, cold air
settles in my bones
A baby’s cry guides me
walking down the apartment corridor
lit only by a solitary, broken window
light struggling to filter through the grime
Answering my knock
a skinny, shirtless, dirty-faced boy
swings the door wide
¿Qué quiere?
At first unable to respond
overcome by the stench
from unwashed bodies, raw sewage
mold, coating the walls like open sores
¿Están tus padres?
Mi marido no está
he lives with another woman down the block
a ghost of lady says, approaching the door
Though hollow-eyed from fatigue and hunger
a hint of the once beautiful creature shone through
clutching a hungry baby to her breast
surrounded by four other small mouths to feed
One frail daughter
disfigured in a fire
is described as an asset to the family business
begging for their sustenance
Daily displayed on the subway steps
her scars by her mother exposed
hoping the pitiful sight
will coax more limosna from passers by
Oh what a charmed and privileged life do I lead
Published 3rd Sep 2015
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 4
reading list entries 1
comments 6
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The author encourages honest critique.
3rd Sep 2015 3:49am
This is amazing! I especially love how you've mixed the languages...such a vivid picture of words! Thanks for a great read!
--Lissie
--Lissie
3rd Sep 2015 6:35am
Thank you so much Lissie! I struggled with the idea of poverty not ever having been destitute myself. I decided to write of poverty I've observed and partially in the language of the country, Spain, where I made my observation. I genuinely appreciate your words of encouragement.
Anonymous
3rd Sep 2015 3:59am
It's shockingly painful the truth of reality of we only take a moment and venture out to areas we only hear or see on tv.
And, people wonder why they can't make a better life, if all they have is a perpetual cycle of despair to survive.
I must acknowledge how impressed i am with the way you conveyed the story GW, like the previous commentator stated, the mix of languages makes it even more potent and profound. Bravo!
And, people wonder why they can't make a better life, if all they have is a perpetual cycle of despair to survive.
I must acknowledge how impressed i am with the way you conveyed the story GW, like the previous commentator stated, the mix of languages makes it even more potent and profound. Bravo!
3rd Sep 2015 6:47am
Rina, I agree. It is too easy to live blind to the suffering in the world. As you've read this particular experience, that occurred over 30 years ago while living in Spain, had a sobering impact on my life. Although tragic it did make me appreciate with greater clarity the simple things in life that we tend to take for granted. I am glad you like the piece and I, as always, cherish your comments.
3rd Sep 2015 6:30pm
Really intense, Gahdess. It's grim and disturbing but very rightly so. You vividly describe this ghetto environment, then draw a conclusion that I think will be felt by many. We do lead a sheltered life and seldom really appreciate it. And there are too many disinclined to share, looking the other way. I'm not sure about the title. I would guess that means "sober living," but that might be off. I'll look it up on Google, come to think of it. Anyway, this is very well written, and thoughtful. Fine work!
3rd Sep 2015 8:07pm
Thank you so much Crow. The word translated is "surviving" I always enjoy your insightful comments, thank you again.
