Difficult Times

Difficult times; the clock keep ticking.

The winds of despair blows;

The nightingale is solemnly chirping.

Each day poses a steaming broth of oppression,

The soup is sour, but the hungered are a’ plenty.

 

Difficulty smears their faces,

As wrinkles replace what once held gay smiles.

With each step, they stagger;

With each breath, they tire.

 

Difficult times; embittered in the ruins of despair,

The clock ticks on their threshold,

As they bend backs in hardship trying to bear

The aches, that stems from the scars of life;

The dying hope;

The strife, that seemingly never ends.

 

But underneath, they solemnly whisper a prayer;

Holding tight, to the straws the seductress, hope, allows them grasp.

“Everything has an end”, they reckon.

Difficult times…difficult times;

Good thing the clock keeps ticking.

Author's Note

I wrote this after I went to visit a very rural community in the North of Nigeria. You tend to get a better perspective on how lucky your are when you come across those who would give anything to be in your place.

Reviews

[R. Linskey]

"Difficulty smears their faces,
As wrinkles replace what once held gay smiles."

That part was deep to me I admit, hehe.

[Mifa]

Thanks for the review Ric.

[R. Linskey]

That was just an opinion man, I'll give you a real review on your other work later on the week ;p

[Mifa]

No problem. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

[Miss Sharon]

Wow! A superbly written piece with a poignant message for our times. Bravo. ~Sharon

[Mifa]

Thanks for the review Sharon.

[Miss Sharon]

You are welcome! ~Sharon

[Sarah]

I really enjoyed the use of time in this poem. Almost like a cadence for these suffering people. I can feel the emotion and despair in your voice as you describe the hardships of those you saw. Beautiful poem about finding hope through hardship.

[Mifa]

Thanks Sarah. By the way...have you added another chapter to your Untitled work?

[Sarah]

I have! Up through 17. Hope you read some more soon!

[Mifa]

Will sure do.

[Abioduun]

The poem opened a curtain to a state of despair, then the last words "Good thing the clock keeps ticking" replaced despair with hope, - Thank you!

[Mifa]

You're welcome. Thanks for the review.

[Sapientiam]

This makes me realize that I'm far more lucky than most people... And, it makes me feel like a fool. Which isn't bad; it's great! You've painted a clear picture of what true despair and hopelessness is and I love it. Looks like time will only tell where the future ends. Nicely done!

[Mifa]

Thank you for the review and your kind words.

[Shabeeh Haider]

This poem really touched the heart. We should only look at those who are less fortunate and we will know how blessed we are.
It is indeed great that the clock keeps ticking. As long as it ticks there is hope that the difficult times will pass.

[Mifa]

I'm glad you caught that Shabeeh. That's basically the message I aim to point out. Thanks for the review.

[Bluebird91]

I screenshot this and put it on my Twitter as the poem of the day with your name because it's really beautiful. You give your poetry life. Keep up the writing.

[Mifa]

Wow thanks. I would like to get your twitter handle if you don't mind. Thanks again for the review.

[iamshadowine]

"Difficult times; the clock keep ticking.
The winds of despair blows;
The nightingale is solemnly chirping.
Each day poses a steaming broth of oppression,
The soup is sour, but the hungered are a’ plenty."

What pretty lines! i could feel them, like literally feel them!
amazing poem!! :D

keep writing :D