I’ll Be Bold and Share a Poem

Last night, as I was pondering about what to share with you next, I noticed the white notebook buried under a stack of papers entitled “Poetry Journal of David Harris”, which was filled with dozens of poems I wrote for myself and for my college poetry class over three years ago. Do I really want to share one of my poems? I thought.

I had actually dug up my journal the week of Valentine’s Day when I thought about sharing one of my pieces at a blog party. But I had better pieces to share that didn’t involve rhyming; sonnets; limericks; or the traditional “Roses are red, violets are blue”, so I put the notebook aside.

My poems pail in comparison to well known poets, such as Maya Angelou, perhaps one of the best poets ever. If Maya were alive she’d have the good mind to slap me across the face with my journal and light my concoctions on fire. But I’m going to be brave and share one of my better poems with you.

This poem was written on April 26, 2013 and revised on October 10, 2013. Originally this was a rhyming poem, but my college peers encouraged me to make it more free verse so I wouldn’t feel restrained. Always remember that not every poem has to be subjected to rhymes. Here it goes.

“What About the Children?” by David Harris

You say you’re leaving./ I won’t lose any sleep,/nor shed any tears./ But the kids will weep.
Were you thinking about them/ when you did what you did/ when you spat on our marriage/ by straying with that man?

For the sake of our family/ we could work this out/ and pretend this never happened,/ but you won’t have that will you?

You would abandon this family/ for a married man,/ knowing he’s a pastor,/ with a family of his own.

Bags are being packed./ The ring is being tossed./ Foul language fills my ears./ You inch towards the door.

Out the door you go/ to your estranged lover./ This house will seem broken/ without a loving mother.

I will run this household/ the best way to can./ I’ll be a strong provider- / my role as a man.

What do you think? Though it isn’t the best thing I’ve written, I’m glad I did write it and that I shared it. I encourage all you writers to be bold and share what you wish with the world. You may be wonderfully surprised at the reaction you get. Have a good week and God bless.