American Society
Is very unforgiving
There are few, if any
Second chances
Regardless of your age
Or the time which has passed
A question which every job application has
'Have you ever'
You've paid your fine
You've served your time
Ready to begin life anew
But then, again and again
'Have you ever'
In America,
Misdeeds are not erased
They always remain
Staring you in the face
'Have you ever'
I can relate to this poem wholeheartedly! ! After I caught my first felony; my life since then has been a nightmare.I'm 35, in good shape, have good work ethic yet I can't get a job no where...Simply because of the things I done in my past..It's really hard to live like this, but I have done it so long now (10 years) that it has become second nature..Now I do believe some people never change, but there are some of us that are qualified to work yet can not...We really have limited choices when it comes to survival..We can either A) go back to crime or B) collect welfare or C) Start our own businesses...
Weldon, You're right, life is not fair. On your job applications, attach a copy of this poem. Everyone desires a second chance. Always be positive and never do evil.
A rather minuscule literary treatise on the world's number-one civilization's other side...for even proud pachydermatous titans a soft underbelly have. Elsewhere, the entire little opus exudes tons of long-seasoned wit and fine-nectared twists of nuance. Thank you for serving us this characteristically sumptuous poetic bite, my very own treasured comrade - worthy Mr. Beuning!
More affluent societies get more unforgiving they become. Very thought provoking poem.
A strong poem, which centres on the intrusive question, 'Have you ever'. A person deserves a second chance -except probably for serious crime-but how often do they get it? So many are serving 'a life sentence' as you wrote in a quotation.
A honest piece lace with a bit of reality. Thanks for sharing such McCoy poem.
Thank you for the comment. I wrote this in 2016, but it applies to every year since.
a poem of reflection on a society that has blatantly failed to give some of it's citizens a second chance? ...........wonderfully written.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Wonderful portrayal of a person having made wrong decisions when younger, but learning from them. Still not being given a chance to prove their worth and the truth of what they now say, since turning the corner and beginning again on a blank page. Very sincere and in depth portrayal of inner strength that you possess. Stay true to yourself, never give in and never back down, you will find a door opening into a new life of promise and hope for you. Really great poem, silently inspiring and gentle. Thank you for sharing. RoseAnn
RoseAnn, Thank you for the kind comments. I was active duty Air Force and was assigned to the Air Force ROTC unit at the University of Utah for three years. We turned away soooo many worthy young men and women because of one mistake when they were younger. Quite sad. If you have a chance read my poem Robert Bowe Bergdahl. Sincerely, Hank