We had nothing (but each other)

 

 

 

We Had Nothing

(but each other)

 

　

Living in a southern town

An anachronism of bygone times

We had nothing…but each other

 

The home we lived

Consisted of country streams

The floor was dirt (literally)

The toilet was the outside

 

The southern (confederate) flag

Hung so proudly from each home

They also were there

When my ancestors were lynched

(and HUNG)

 

The delicate balance of society

Of the haves & have NOTS

Were equally divided along

Color lines

 

The veritable spectrum of injustice

And verdant stain of poverty

Paints an unrelenting portrait

Across my eternal memory bliss

 

We had NOTHING but

We had barely enough

The miracles of daily living

Forced us to sleep 3 or 4 to a bed

 

A mayonnaise jar

We drank from

Hot water was boiled

(in a pot outside)

 

Grocery store(s) were a privilege

That we were granted…occasionally

 

My father (God bless him)

My mother (my own patron saint)

Gave food from their plates

To ensure no belly was unfed

 

My brother(s) we all slept

Together in ONE bed

 

I can still hear my elder brother’s

Muffled cries & strained curses

ANGRY

At our lot in life

 

My lone solace was a sister

Who gave to me a miraculous gift

The quenchless gift to learn

And engage in world beyond my own

 

She placed a book before me

And said your body can’t leave (yet)

But your heart & imagination

Can transcend this weary place

 

And after countless pages

My mind & imagination expanded

Engrossed in menageries complex

And realms where dreams come true

 

As I sit in a comfortable chair

Surrounded by widget & gadgets

Far beyond the kin of bygone days

 

My heart reluctantly reaches back

To the melancholy moments of yesterday

 

A time when the brutal existence

And near clashes of mortal decay

Tested my soul & heart

More so than any literal foe

 

And still I smile and sigh

Knowing that the family

I still call my own

Are a implacable source

Of undeniable strength

 

We had no money

No cars…no roof

No toilet…no sinks…

No blankets…no one

 

We had nothing

(But each other)

 

Kenny L. Mitchell

August 28, 2009

 

　

Reviews

[deleted]

This is a very inspirational poem. You don't need a lot of money and fame to be happy. Family is the key to happiness. This piece was very moving. It should teach a lot of these celebs. who waste money on needless garbage to look around the corner at those not so fortunate. Your piece/story was definitely an eye opener for me. Well done! Excellent read! And it flowed smoothly.

[cest la vie]

I find myself looking forward to what you will present to us. What a wonderful tribute to your roots, history, family. This is a timeless piece. Well done, Kenny!