Any Other Way

All men are children, and of one family. The same tale sends them all to bed, and wakes them in the morning. - Thoreau

just another day

no other way

a cold rain beginning to fall on a crusty-eyed city

drops missing a few but hitting most

hurled downward by this elusive, evasive father, son and holy ghost

dark masses huddled together on an ashen street

in and out of taped doorways

back and forth

passing a disheartening but spirited bottle shrouded by a crowded bag

feigning compliance

desiring defiance

forming a false alliance

oblivious to self reliance

students of an earthly science

searching for a soul's appliance

this burden is so heavy

living here on the fray

just another day

no other way

too crippled to play

too many dragons to slay

not enough words to say

hands too shaky to come together and pray

no other hues but gray

no crayons with which to color

any other way

Author's Note

"Alas! this is the crying sin of the age, this want of faith in the prevalence of a man. Nothing can be effected but by one man. He who wants help wants everything. True, this is the condition of our weakness, but it can never be the means of our recovery. We must first succeed alone, that we may enjoy our success together." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Ruth]

I think the power of your pen holds a mighty energy Pete. What else is there to do in such a cycle/circle/swirl/whirlpool...seems all avenues are paved with glass at times. Life is not a simple venture - not pain free or burden free - sadly. As always - remarkable expression in this Pete, stay well :)

[Pete]

yes, some things are delicate and need be treated as such. life not simple indeed especially with the daily barrage we're under. up to us to keep it simple and focused with what is truly important. not always easy to stay on a right path. things happen ... :)

[Einstein Noodle]

strong social commentary, Pete! the tragedy of lost lives and gifts that could have been shared laying in drunk doorways across the nation. Even small towns have one or two. The fast rap like cadence in V2 is excellent says i .. not typically a fan of rhyming "tion", "ance" and "ant" words .. but that V is propelling and captivating .. you have given voice to all the "greys" fallen, slipped and sucked up having no crayons at all. well done says i .. should be published somewhere important so a larger audience can read and ponder possible solutions. i feel so small compared to our social ills ... just a vote and a couple bucks is 'bout all i have ;{ great write Pete!
E.

[Pete]

yes, those what if's. don't sell yourself short - a voice echos in a canyon and people have changed the world with far less. always good to hear from you e! ... :)