Written for: dVerse Poets Pub - Poetics: "You Want It Darker" (posted by Lucy) "We will write a poem about the transient notion of life to death, or topics germane to the theme. With a twist. We are going to write a ballad. Ballads typically consist of four-line quatrains with a rhyme scheme in either ABABBCBC form or another alternate of that form such as ABCB or ABAB." A homeless woman roamed from street to street. They all looked away, could not meet her eyes. One man noticed her penchant for sweets, one woman said 'a drunk', but that was a lie. Though unkempt with a layer of grime, her speech was perfect; she was educated. A large flowered bag that she kept at her side held all her possessions–meager, uncomplicated. A story emerged after her death. She had lost her job, no one to give her a loan. Unable to pay her rent, she was bereft. It does not take many steps to lose all you own. https://dversepoets.com/
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Oh, this is so sad. Just goes to show how it can happen to anyone and how you should always treat others with respect and humanity. Excellent take on the prompt, I really enjoyed reading your ballad!
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Thanks so much, Lucy.
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Yes, all too familiar story. This ending line hits a raw nerve:
It does not take many steps to lose all you own.
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Thanks, Grace!
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This is so true! Many have experienced this trauma. Well done Sara!
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Thanks, Dwight!
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A tragic tale, and a haunting reminder that ‘there but for the grace of God go I.’ Great take on the prompt!
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Thanks, Ingrid!
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Say a powerful piece zero but that closing line is insightful as hell it does not take many steps to lose all your own. It’s amazing life can come down to such a small landing said but certainly not unique not in today’s world. Well written kept me engaged good job.
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Thanks, Rob. A terrifying prospect, though possible.
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So scary how close it is.
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A sad, sad tale. I would imagine a visit to one of the homeless “camps” in any large city would result in many such heart=rending tales. Well written!
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Thanks, Bev. We are seeing more and more homeless people in my neighborhood.
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This is incredibly potent. You describe the harsh reality of the world in this eloquently woven ballad. 💝
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Thanks, Sanaa!
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I’ve spent a lot of time in a soup kitchen so I know it’s a true story. It only takes one bad break for that to happen to someone
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Scary.
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Powerful ballad of a life that society forgot or abandoned! For so many in the world, we’re just one step away from disaster.
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We don’t like to think about it, but it’s true.
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kaykuala
A story emerged after her death.
She had lost her job, no one to give her a loan.
Unable to pay her rent, she was bereft.
It does not take many steps to lose all you own.
A tale that’s becoming a reality with the uncertain impact of the Covid 19. It is certainly turning on the dark side to be darker! Great write Sarah!
Hank
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Thanks so much, Hank. I am seeing many more homeless people.
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Sad reality. The subject is great for a ballad. I like the title, “Who was she,” which we find the answer in the end: she could be us.
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Exactly so. Thanks, Tricia.
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