Written for: Poets United Midweek Motif~Social Stigma
Your Challenge: Compose a new poem with a motif of social stigma.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”― Audre Lorde
Windows blew out shards of glass,
shrieks of terror echoed.
He stayed by his side.
Flames shot in air and curled
into black smoke, people trapped.
He stayed by his side.
Get out, you cannot save him,
they screamed, racing down dark stairs.
He stayed by his side.
Coworkers and best friends. He put his hand
on his friend’s wheelchair.
He stayed by his side.
They worked together;
they died together.
He stayed by his side.
purplepeninportland 
Wow. Moved to tears. I wonder if I could leave? I wonder if I could stay?
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I don’t think anyone can answer that question unless it is facing them.
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This is so moving.. you have me left me speechless..
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Thanks, Sanaa!
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What a powerful poem – there is good in the world – is this based on a true story? It certainly feels very real
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It is a true story.
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This is so powerful. A brave heart. So powerfully written. Humans do have such good in them. Thanks for this.
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A poem that really moves the reader! The ending is REALLY poignant.
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It is a true story.
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Just beautiful
Sent from my iPad
>
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😊
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wow…so moving…this beautiful poem reminds me of Casabianca…
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Thanks, Sumana. One of my favorite movies.
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Beautiful!
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Achingly poignant. For me, it brought to mind 9/11–I think I heard of such a story, but if that’s a false memory, I have little doubt that it happened in that event. Such courage, such loss.
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It is a true story. I worked in building one.
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