Fool's Gold

by Daisy if you do   May 7, 2008


To see her now is such a big contrast
Since many a year have long ago passed
A young woman with the world at her feet
Lost her husband slain cold in the street
Walking hand in hand from a movie one night
A man tried to rob them and started a fight
Brandished a knife he thrust deep in Jakes side
There on the sidewalk he left his young bride
Amid his blood her life lay there shattered
That's when she lost "it" and all that had mattered

People pass by day in and day out
Cruel and unkind remarks they will shout
Some gawk with disgust looking at her
No kind words spoken or even uttered
Others just ignore her and simply look away
Never asking if she's hungry or even okay
Their intentions implied speak loud and clear
Confirming her thoughts, affirming each fear
In death would they still stop and stare
Or offer condolences and pretend they had cared

She gathers her things shuffles down the street
Searching each dumpster for a bite to eat
Hoping for a fire to perhaps warm her toes
Shed the cold of her rain soaked clothes
Tattered blanket, and rags on her back
Personal effects in a brown paper sack
A Gideons bible holds precious mementos
Pressed 'tween pages, one single red rose
A few photographs and a "Footprints" bookmark
Some pigeon feathers that were found in the park

Stuffed in her clothing to help keep her warm
Plastic trash bags in case there's a storm
Sally knows a secret even in lack of her mind
That when the day comes for her to leave it behind
She will not fret over owning no material things
One day at a time she'll take what life brings
Absence of things she considers fools gold
More precious is life when she had it to hold
Still they stare in amazement and never ask why
As though she's contagious they just pass her by

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Latest Comments

  • 15 years ago

    by debbylyn

    Kay this is a winner for sure.....I love the story and emotions. How often we overlook that homeless person without a thought to the circunstances that brought them to that point. The rhyming and flow are good...a little off in a few places, but it doesn't detract from the great word choices and the overall feelings invoked upon reading!

    "A Gideons bible holds precious mementos
    Pressed 'tween pages, one single red rose
    A few photographs and a "Footprints" bookmark
    Some pigeon feathers that were found in the park"
    Well done! 5/5
    ^ Love these lines! Very unique and intensely heart wrenching1

  • 15 years ago

    by Trying to hold on

    This is very sad and awfully horrible, very sad but reality is it does happen.
    Was this non-fiction?
    Anyway you have used great layout in this form, fantastic imagery was like it was literally visible and each moment was narrated just flowing perfectly.
    Truly exceptional, 5/5

  • 15 years ago

    by Ingrid

    Kay,

    What a story! It rhymed so well and it was also such a pleasure to read:)

    Hugs,

    Ingrid

  • 15 years ago

    by Lu

    One day at a time she'll take what life brings
    Absence of things she considers fools gold
    More precious is life when she had it to hold
    Still they stare in amazement and never ask why
    As though she's contagious they just pass her by
    ^^^
    Kay these ending lines strike the heart so.

    I love the emotion you have put into this piece and to "me" this write is very worthy of the front pages. Though I know it will be rejected because the 6 months has not passed .... I am nominating it anyway because it touched the hearts in so many ways.

    I also loved the rhyme scheme and flow of the poem .... I have re-read it quite a few times and love it more and more each time.

    In my opinion this is an excellent read and you have done an excellent job with your chosen title.

    Luanne

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