Writing Through Hard Times
Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Hard Times meets every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. on the fourth floor of DPL’s Central branch. The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients.
To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org.
Michael-Roman Dixon
My Two Daughters
I
I saw God’s spirited angels, languid and
laughing curled fetus-like beneath a butternut
tree. Their pale, white wings like laser light flapped
lightly in the sun. Their pale hazel eyes
like caramel crystals, their wide soft mouths,
wide and soft as Cupid’s heart drew me like
a mite in a magnet wave. But wait a second.
Is that you? Is it really you whose pearl-
white blouse flaps lightly like wings whose soul glows
like Nat King Cole sings? Oh Alexa, my angel Alexa,
It’s you!
II
So there you are Nikki, going to heaven,
clothed in white robe, beaming like light.
Fly fast.
But leave your heart, so I’ll have somewhere large
and warm to hide awhile.
Fly fast.
But leave your arms to cradle me when I cry
and cry and lie that you are still here.
Darlina
The Scent of Light
How do we recognize the scent of light?
My objective is to stay true to the notion of doing onto others
as you would have them do onto you.
It is a difficult thing to do,
for all of us
judge
assume.
All of us feel, at different times,
small or weak
attacked
entitled
Other times we feel in harmony
We all at times feel hopeless or hopeful.
It is hard to live up
to the Namaste objective
especially when we hurt -
hurt as if we are in pain,
or hurt as in causing another to have pain
I want to give up
because sorrow
and anger overwhelms me
Especially when the world
or in my own confusion
in all its forms
attack
belittle
accuse
My objective remains strong
despite obstacles
For at times during the day or
deep in the night
I do find good in others and even
in myself.
Something
Someone must have found it as well.
I like you, have the right to be human.
Our capacity is our strength
to choose
to not choose
to understand,
to forgive
to let go
to nurture,
to grow
How can we recognize the sent of light?
Dean Glorso
Let Kindness Breathe
Gravity pulls at the soul
Like a grand piano being raised
With a single rope
Attached to a precise and critical
Balance point
One false move and the kindness
Of the day, will remove itself
The jostle will set into motion
A harmonic rhythm
Building to a crescendo of calamity
Speak now
To the inner workings of your mind
Before the tone
In your voice
Fails you
Loved ones remove themselves
Today is the time, to live the life one has
Breathe in, until the kindness
You know you possess
Returns
