Down Among The Headstones

When you realize you were not defeated. Not even close.

I am a beggar I am a queen

I am all things in between

Watch me rise or watch me fall

You do not know me at all

 

I do not have my mother’s eyes

My brother’s gift for telling lies

I have my father’s certain truth

To banish all the whys of youth

 

The quick may think to judge me less

But I am not your paper princess

I stand alone to make my claim

Safe within my righteous name

 

I left your land that much is true

I began the day I buried you

It does not matter how we end

A southern girl will rise again

 

-Zoe Richardson 

Author's Note

There is a certain power in knowing what did not kill you made you stronger.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

You are who you are. Be true to yourself, this poem tells me. It is a poem that speaks to me of strength. Of finding it and growing when the chips are down. We grow stronger where we break. Zoe you write great poetry. This is an accomplished piece in my opinion. All the best.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

I am absolutely humbled by your words, and deeply appreciative. I want to write poetry that people can welcome into their heart. Lines that resonate and make the reader want to read again and again. This poem is about strength. About knowing that you didn't just survive the absolute worst experiences of life, but they made you better. I am so glad you enjoyed this!

[Chris Shaw]

A pleasure reading you Zoe:)

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

hellos, life is harsh.
life is bitter for some of us,
empowerment. But when it all fails, what to say, not meant to be,
a question so marked. I must say, it's God's way.

[Zoe Richardson]

It is. I would say each ending is also a beginning. It just takes awhile to figure out where you are going!

[1809 Black Plague December]

yes, Dear, love what you had to say, ---M

[Einstein Noodle]

really like your closing lines .. especially "I left your land that much is true" .. reminds me of the words of Jesus Christ ".....let the dead bury the dead" Mt. 8:22. I am also reminded of how a burial goes in New Orleans when musicians play the dirge on the way and break into party jazz upon leaving .. all well and good but most carry that loss don't we? that being said ....... the journey we take finding ourselves and finding the courage to be ourselves can be daunting .. i like the chutzpah shown by your protagonist .. she's got grit :) thanks for sharing Zoe .. i enjoyed reading!
E.

[Zoe Richardson]

We do carry the loss. But it doesn't have to beat us down. I think that's the purpose in the dirge and the celebratory jazz. And that is the purpose here. I try to embody the spirit of GRITS. (Girls Raised In The South) You may defeat us once, but we always rise again. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this!

[Einstein Noodle]

yes!! that is the purpose of the dirge and then rejoicing .. i have not heard of GRITS .. i will have to look it up .. being raised up is what life is truly all about says i! ;))))))))))))

[Fabian G. Franklin]

A tribute to tenacity and courage, I like this. "We can't sow our parent's fields, we have to plow our own". Just a farming metaphor I heard once.

[Zoe Richardson]

"The South will Rise Again." My mantra since birth. lol. This is less about legacy, though, and more about being true to oneself. I am a truth-teller, not a diplomat and this often makes me a target. This poem is to assert that I am my own person, no matter what anyone think. So glad you took the time to read and comment!

[barleygirl]

There's nothing more annoying than people who think they know you when they've given no effort or interest in getting there. Your poem gives off that stringent annoyance with panache. The rhythm is peppy & carries the reader along (((HUGS)))

[Zoe Richardson]

Or people who think you should change because they aren't interested in finding out who you are. Both think you are the problem, and both are wrong. Thank you for your thoughts. They are always wanted and welcome!

[Patricia]

very powerful and a lot of inner strength in you, never lose that and never let someone take it from you and trust me someone will try, it's an ugly world. You are beautiful and a powerful writer, keep going. Great work here.

[shadrach hah]

Hi Zoe, |I love the content of this piece, the flow and the rhyme that flow so easily through each line. This is a powerful write. As you say, "You shall rise again." May your pen ever sing. Have a wonderful Monday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Zoe Richardson]

Bless you! I am so glad you enjoyed this, and chose to leave your thoughtful comments. I enjoy creating rhymes. The dance of words is such a complex marriage of thought and expression.

[shadrach hah]

I was so glad that I dropped by this beautiful piece. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs always....Mike.

[Lydia Shutter]

Lots of introspection here and a feeling of empowerment. All said in flawless rhyme. I get the feeling you WILL rise again....and so it shall be. Lydi**

[Zoe Richardson]

I hope I will. I try to rise a little each day, grateful that I am a survivor. Thank you embracing the power I tried to express, and for your thoughtful comments.