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.
Dennis Bell
The Phoenix
The Phoenix dies, ashes flurry,
and the world freezes in awe.
Trees stand in naked strength, unchanging.
But within, beneath the surface,
a thousand minor alchemies conspire
to grow new leaves.
There is a secret heat in the roots,
fed by a hidden sun. ■
Darlina
Home
I finally found a home
after two years being labeled “homeless,”
or, the “chronically homeless”
I wonder if I still am—
I guess I had fit the qualifications
they had written on the questionnaire
My experience of
poverty and violence
put me there
I love my new home
despite the labels
and the ongoing fear of
losing a home
again
I wonder if I belong anywhere,
even in my own home
I look out the window at the city below,
the wind chill factor way below—
my expectations way below
A man I had given a dollar to months before
brought a mattress to sleep behind the dumpster
right across from my window
I wish I could invite him into the building,
into the warmth
I never will
Every morning as I go to work
or somewhere
I see him
He looks at me
not perverted, not angry,
he looks at me with such sincerity,
with such loneliness
All I could do is look back at him,
into his eyes
and offer him a home,
of sorts■
Austin Riker
Kindling
Hear them!
Even now.
Late, faint and fading.
Hear them!
Please, try harder so.
The beat.
The beat, now soft.
At far young distance,
Oft, warm memories fade.
Yes, lives once lived!
Yes, hopes once dreamed!
You can still hear them!
Even now.
The drums.
The drums.
The ancient drums.
So dance!
Just dance!
Please my Brother!
This last dance,
Before the beat is gone. ■
