Reality Poem by Heather Kemper

You are not a lost soul
forgotten by the world.
You are not abandonded
or left like milk to sour and curl
You are loved
you are needed
if by non other than your kids.
You brought them here
they didn't ask to be forced to live.
You are not a lost soul
unloved abused decayed.
You lost yourself
in your selfish self serving ways.
It was not I nor him
nor her nor them.
You turned your back
on love on hope on friends.
You were the one
who looked yourseld eye to eye.
Then made acceptable excuses
why that bag was worth more
than for your children to try,
Don't ask me
to feel for where you are now.
As if you were never given a chance.
Don't ask me to feel protective now.
Did you protect your kids
when you were chasing that bag around?
You brought yourself to the point you're at today.
Not because the world forgot you
but because it was your world
you chose to betray.
So now as you sit
feeling like you are always alone.
Maybe it's time you
WAKE UP
and remember the kids you forgot back home.
Stop lying and chasing that always empty bag.
The world's got more to offer
if you leave behind the selfish self indulgent and vien.
It's not us or them or the world
who cuts you
only you cause yourself that pain.

April 31,2003