Distant Witness and other poems
by Kelly Ann Malone
Distant Witness
I don't
live close; I did not hear the thunder or the crash.
I did not hear the cries for help or see the metal trash.
I didn't
witness buildings fall. This was on TV.
I didn't run from plumes of smoke. I know that wasn't me.
I didn't
arrive with photo in hand looking for my wife.
I didn't tell my only son his dad has lost his life.
I didn't
send my oldest child into a burning tower.
To try and save whomever he could and die within an hour
I cannot
say that I was hurt while saving someone's life.
I cannot say I've ever lost a daughter, son or wife.
I do not
daily pass this site where bodies still decay.
While people who must get to work must pass it everyday.
I am not
brave; I do not grieve for loss beyond compare.
I know I am not a party to the death and the despair.
In some
small way I'd like to say I hold you in my heart.
Although this won't amount too much I hope it is a start.
There
was a part inside of me that died upon that day.
I cannot look at life the same or trust in the same way.
I look
to God to give me strength to trust in all his grace.
I look inside into my soul and find a peaceful place.
The Sea
Your gentle
rhythm sooths
Ever flushing out debris from your belly
The moon influences the dance
Your flirtatious tide teases the shore
Always pulling back intentions
Your depth
conceals content
Leaving more to be desired
Ominous strength is obvious
Bright and glorious
Dark and unforgiving
You captivate
admirers
Then leave them cold and shivering
Your beauty is matched by fury
Proceeding with a sense of purpose
Dictating to all your intentions
Screaming
for attention
Then shy away when calm
Ever fickle, a great mystery
The Seasons
Winter
shines with crisp white snow
that glistens on the trees.
Bundled up in furry cloak
you feel the winter breeze.
Cups of
chocolate brim with steam
and keep your fingers warm.
In the fire crackling wood
warms you against the storm.
Spring
O' what a glorious time.
The soil sprouts with flowers.
Dancing rain will soak the grass
in April's soothing showers.
Birds
return with happy song
while seeking food and nests.
All is new in fields of dew.
It's nature at her best.
Summer
takes the chill of spring
and warms her cooling breezes.
The firefly glows into the night
and ventures where she pleases.
Hot and
humid is the day.
The suns persistent glare.
Then graciously she goes away:
Night lends her cooling air.
Fall then
enters with colors of gold.
Her brisk air nipped with chill.
Taking away the summer's burn
she casts her glow at will.
Leaves
descending to the ground
make piles of glorious shades.
And then in time the winter calls,
and all the color fades.
The Trial
Fourteen
years old when you come into my life.
Such a pivotal age.
Leaning on a fence watching a baseball game.
I catch you in the corner of my eye. Panic begins.
You look me up and down.
My body
stiffens as nausea sets in. The trial begins.
Wanting to ignore your scathing words, I cannot.
I grant you full rein to judge me.
I brace myself for the verdict.
"She
would be perfect if she lost weight."
I am crying inside. Not worthy of pleading my case.
The food in my mouth becomes soggy as I hesitate to swallow.
Once again
not good enough. Once again stripped of value.
I say nothing.
Impacting
my life without your knowledge.
I do not know your name.
I do not know where you live.
Yet you have forever altered my life.
Copyright 2002 by Kelly Ann Malone
