Writing Through Hard Times – March 2019
Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Hard Times meets every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. on the fourth floor of DPL’s Central branch. The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients.
To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org.
Pete Simon
Pay Caracus No Mind
We police the world
for profit and fun
but when the nay-sayers here
start belly aching
they’ll see the tip of a gun;
at their front door
on a naked windy night,
when the temperature has dropped
to the level of fright.
Don’t mess with power little one,
it doesn’t become you at all;
you do better when you’re playing that guitar
down by the water fall;
where the woman of your dreams
comes to hear you play
and brings your favorite blanket
for a majestic lay.
Just keep away little boy
Just keep away.
Leave the heavy lifting
for us.
Benjamin Eric Nelson
Can’t Hide ShameElectric music pulses like
Digital fluid through wires as veins
Mourning the loss of words
A black shroud covers light’s doorway
Peek at the gifts that abound
Let go of common ground
A release
A short breath… pulled into symbols
The principled… shower with gold
Food turned to mold
A fixed eye stares like cold metal
Breaking free of stigma
Loud colors worn to impress
But can’t hide shame
Another day
Another way
Dismay
Steel trap mind contained
Shaleen Figueroa
Ideologies Boggle Me
Psychology, philosophy, mythology, and theology
Some of the most difficult subjects in life.
Aquinas, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides
Tackling all apparent human strife.
...And finding a career in these fields
Is as solid as flying a kite
Without these humans,
Paths that have been paved,
Tread upon lightly, or gallivanted upon,
Would never be,
Or ventured all throughout.
Time never ceases,
Life’s experiences intrigues–
And at times: heart bleeds.
One wonders:
Greater or less
Finance or clout
Without a doubt,
Thoughts linger about
Overwhelmed,
And where even I,
Am not able to find me.
