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 on the fourth floor of DPL’s Central branch. To check out more writing by Hard Times participants, go to www.writedenver.org.
Christopher Young: The Long White Train
The long white train came rapidly approaching the station, eager to make the scheduled stops with precise punctuality. Those passengers waiting on the platform were not so eager, while a select few found relief overcome them as they saw the long plume of smoke in the distance make its way closer.
Curiously, no timetable could be found on the platform or in the station, yet people there possessed a seeming knowledge of the train’s scheduled arrival, as they instinctively knew to arrive at 2:05 for a 2:45 departure. Clearly they must have also had the knowledge of their destination, though with no one appearing to know each other, one could only assume.
The plume of smoke grew thicker and more menacing, encroaching the station with speed and conviction, making certain to arrive at the elusively scheduled time. Perhaps these peculiarities would be made clear upon the arrival of the long white train. Again, one could only assume such facts.
But the peculiarities of the passengers being without luggage could not be explained upon the train’s arrival, or could it? Were they, the passengers, aware of their destination? With no luggage spotted among the crowd, did they, in fact, even intend to return at all?
It seemed far too coincidental to believe all the passengers present, without expressions, without luggage, could have purchased a one-way ticket for this train, on this day, at this time; however, there were no clues to the contrary. A relier on assumption seemed needed once again. ■
Michael Sindler: Grasp
Grasping for a deeper meaning
Unable to pull it closer
Through the fog, as though I’m dreaming
Grasping for a deeper meaning
Source from where pure thought is streaming
Led to water like a dowser
Grasping for a deeper meaning
Unable to pull it closer. ■
Benjamin Eric Nelson: No One To Blame
Large veins pumping life’s sins
Way too carefully blissful
A change in nature
A change in beautiful terms
The concrete killed my soul
Future darkened and chosen one absolved
Tragedy for the affluent
A nation destroyed by its own strength
Contained in memory
A song
Lift up the earth
Lift up and be calm
Like and love
Put down the vice
Seek and find
Synapse twice
You are powerful in my eyes
Clowns that drive
Have no sighs
Apply the poison
All of the cures for it are spaced
A trace of lace
Above and at lengths
Tried to become grace
Paper waste
Now no longer faced
In front of a menace
Just a taste
Must be a jerk just in case
Not drowning
Not burning
Comfort disabled by pain
Not too bad
Hurts all the same
No one to blame. ■
