Sunday, November 2, 2008

On Things Not Being What They Seem

A city of wealth,
They built tall glass skyscrapers
And many facades;
So that when people passed by,
They wouldn't see the poor there.

Beggar approached me,
He asked for help, I gave alms
-he was an angel.


Trick or Treat she said,
Dressed as a wicked witch
-so innocent though.


Copyright 2008

One Single Impression: Disguise




14 comments:

Anonymous said...

..just wonderful -'facades'_real fun for the kids-not so for the seniors,not always ie ..many thanks..

anthonynorth said...

Nicely done, as always.

SandyCarlson said...

Edward,
The last one made me laugh to think the number of little ones who dress up as forms of Darkness on Halloween! They do take the force and power out of Darkness when they do that. Perhaps that is the true joy of Halloween!

I liked your perspectives on urban disguises, too. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

The first and second poems speak prophetically of how we tackle the 'problem of the poor'. To not look and not interact is so much easier that we go to great expense to elevate ourselves above their eye level.

Anonymous said...

Very nice! This series reminded me of something I have never quite figured out, but when I was a kid (in the 50s) on Halloween, instead of yelling "Trick or treat!" at peoples' doors, everybody yelled "Help the poor!" I have no idea how wide spread this was - my mmediate neighborhood, the city (Detroit) or beyond, but I would love to know the origin.

Quiet Paths said...

Profound first two. I really connected with them thank you. That second is a gem.

Tumblewords: said...

We are a nation of illusion. Great work!

Raven said...

These are great. I really love the first one. Painful truth.

SandyCarlson said...

Edward,
Just a reminder that paradox will be next week's prompt at OSI. Please send a poem and a photo for this prompt by Friday. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Perfect poems for this prompt. So true that a city or town can show the the correct face to the world, and another to those who live there.

Not little trick or treaters for us this year, too bad!

DeLi said...

i like the treat or treat..halloween treats are alwasy trickya nd exciting!

qualcosa di bello said...

ahhh...entertaining angels unawares! my momma told me to always treat others with love & your words move my heart so.

sgreerpitt said...

you poem (first and second pieces) remind me of all the cities and towns that try to legislate the appearance of homelessness away by laws that forbid people to sleep in public, to sleep with blankets, etc.

MyBellavia said...

Ah Edward! We must be of the same mold! All three seem a bit of my past. Very special bits indeed!

I so enjoy your style of writing. Clear and concise, always bringing me back.

This week, i am awestruck. Your first "a city of wealth", is indeed harsh truth in disguise.

Thank you.