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.
Sheryl Luna
TO REST
The A & D Motel on West Colfax.
Mental Health Center Voucher.
Torn up Carpet.
Small fridge.
So grateful— tears, smiles.
Despite the old woman
running the place,
telling the maintenance man,
implying I broke the toilet—
“She’s mental,” she says
finger pointed towards
her small head, yet I am joyous.
I laugh. First time I’ve caught
luck, compassion. The warm
spring’s wildflowers peek
from rocks along the cracked
white walls of the place.
I am freedom, a new belief
in karma. Transitional housing
coming my way. The turn
in my life broad.
Quests for friends new.
I am opening to sky and light.
A steady check soon.
Rhythm without strain,
a windblown face
eager to risk
shame. The world needs
stories, the world needs
breath and starlight.
We are all headed
home after all. ■
Michael Sindler
Groceries
He gave away his groceries
That should have lasted him a week
Offered in hope they would please
He gave away his groceries
Impulsive generosity
Of it he never more would speak
He gave away his groceries
That should have lasted him a week ■
Benjamin Eric Nelson
Ground Into Dust
Sick sensation in my gut...
hungry and scared...
Just a few weeks...
I can hang...
I smell awful...
How do they do it?
I have family that loves me...
but I'd rather be dead...
No... I'm still alive...
Commitment to time...
my job stolen from me...
Such a freak...
My way back home...
Time to wait...
but so will the tears...
Safe...
Safe...
Safe...
Safe eventually...
Gone...
Space occupied...
Compassion died...
To reap the fruits of labor...
stripped of the chance to work...
Back to the hospital...
my way back home...
Time to wait...
but so will the tears...
Hope...
Pain...
All the same...
What happened to my name?
Ground into dust...
Must I try?
Ground into dust...
Goodbye... ■
