Writing Through Hard Times
The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE will publish a selection of the voices of Hard Times.
Hard Times meets every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 in the book club room of DPL’s Central branch. To check out more writing by Hard Times participants, go to writedenver.org.
Darlina
A PURPOSE, NOT JUST ME
Rushing to find a purpose
Working cleaning toilets
Wiping blood from the floor
Digging pits sweat smell
Body smell
Swollen ankles
Itchy legs
Shaking fingers
Pangs of hunger
Dizzy lightheaded
Thirst
Staring into emptiness
Is my back broken?
How much pain can I take?
It’s hard to tell
A purpose to work
For a company earning millions?
Getting pennies
The price is high
A purpose
Is this it?
I write or draw
At the bus stop
In a hallway
On a bench
On a napkin
On a scrap
In a frayed notebook
On my leg
On my arm
In my eyes
Beauty reflecting the sky
Someone’s life
On the paper
I have drawn Him
The company will never know
As they dine
As they dance
As they drink
As they stomp
As they kill
They will never know
My purpose ■
Saif Suhail
A TINY CURSE!
It won't be a wind
What will make the curtains
Of your terrace swing,
When a heavy silence,
On that place,
Crouches!
It won't be a wind . . .
Rather, it will be
A tiny detail
That shall you see, on the face
Of the full moon!
That shall always be sensed
Like a hiss
Running through the wet grass!
And, be booming in the ear
As cyanosed chimes made of brass,
Across the city of dead!
Circulate it will the room
With the breezes
Perch on your cheek
As a goodbye kiss,
Before disappearing!
It isn't a wind;
It is just a lovely curse –
A tiny detail
Of a sallow memory! ■
Fran Ford
NUMISMATIC RECLAMATION PROJECT
Abandoned at a bus stop,
homeless, lost and low,
a penny stares through Lincoln’s eye
and catches mine. I lay claim
(We’re so close.) to the dirty copper.
It’s a program. ■
