2014 Adult Poetry Contest
When the Children Go Away Stop the Rain Tears run down her face Like rain drops on a window pane. How can I stop the rain? Through the transom of her eyes I see her pain I see the hurt that I have caused. How can I stop the rain? A wind blows like a cruel force Carrying branches of her love away Leaving silence between us to stay. How Can I stop the Rain? Lightening strikes like a burning laser Making night into day My eyes ablaze, I can no longer see her. How can I stop the Rain? Our breaking hearts explode like thunder Shaking the ground we stand on My arms can no longer hold her.
The children are gone and now living on their own. You really never paid attention to how fast they had grown. The house is actually clean, yet you miss the children’s messiness. So you try to hold back the tears. There are no handprints on the walls, nor toys lying all about the house. It’s as quiet as a mouse. There are no muddy, dirty floors to scrub or beds that you must make, no rules that must be made, for your growing child’s sake. No one always saying “mommy, I’m hungry” can you make me something to eat? No more cuts, scrapes or wounds that you will need to treat. It seems like such a hassle these things we do each day. We don’t know how much it’s missed Until our children go away. So, cherish your children’s years with you and make do with these things you abhor. For when the children have gone away You may miss these things you don’t have to chore. Carla A. Cook
How can I stop the rain? Blushing Flush Went to the ladies’ powder room, Was selective about the stalls, But every one I peeked in, Had scribbling on the walls, Knew this was no shortie, So I closed the door behind, And started an education, That nearly blew my mind, Flushed my worries down the drain, Only to realize when, In my rush to piddle, I forgot my pen. Barbara Lee Flagg
The storm calms, the sky clears. Leaving only her footprints And clouds of fear That she is gone evermore. Tears run down my face Like rain drops on a window pane. How can I stop the pain? Paul M. Herrera
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