The time that I first saw the light
Sun turned into darkness
Of the billows of smoke
From the warship
Lifeless bodies sprawled
Tora, Tora, Tora
A shout from one of the Axis Powers.
The moon did not shine
Stars were hidden by the dusty clouds
Tremors shook the earth
Hunger, thirst and nakedness
Enveloped my childhood.
In my youth
As tender as the rose bud
I just hold on to dear life
While my friends danced
Laughed out loud
Turned nights
As their happiest lives.
Like an owl
I made nighttime
Into daytime
Used my hands
Until they were tender and swollen
Pounded my mind
Until it was numb.
Same as the ants
I worked during hot and rainy days
Hoarded all things
I can hold
Trash of others
I made them
A mountain of fortune
Clothes that I have worn
Were all hand -me- down
Tears that came down my eyes
I made them
My daily table salt.
Now stars are hiding no more
Crowned with laurels of my own
But I will never
No, never
Intend to sit on them
Afraid to let them go
I continue
The cycle of my life
Haggled over every last dime
To ensure
That cruel days
Will not take control.
Copyright 2018, Rose Marie Juan- Austin, All Rights Reserved
Part TWO: True fascinating poem I have read time and again. Very impressive creation of poetry. A most magnificent poem with a touch of irony but melancholy reigns here. A myriad of tens for the Vote. God Bless You and your family abundantly, Mrs. Juan-Austin, poetess with the sharp mind.
My daily table salt. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
since cruel days havebeen overcame by your labour, they would never take control again.A very brilliant and inspiring poem.
When the pendulum of life swings, ups and downs also will come in circular rotation. Never be depressed by the trials and tribulations of life. Face them with composure. In the same way when we have reached a safe height, don’t sit and relax forever. See each rung of the ladder as a means to climb higher. Only such people will be able to move from progress to progress. Top marks!
This is the soliloquy of one who has passed through very bitter times. But hard times will not stay forever. Normally as there is a dawn after each dusk, hard times will be replaced by pleasant times. This hope pulls us on. But once when bright days come, never expect them to continue all the time.
Tears that came down my eyes I made them My daily table salt. A powerful and touching delineation of a life tossed by fate! It has the power to shake any hard mind. It is the saga of one who turned adversities into possibilities! This poem gives hope to many who are weighed down by the burdens of life. Excellent presentation.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
The cycle of my life Haggled over every last dime To ensure That cruel days Will not take control.....epitome of your poem! Liked the use of simile in fourth stanza! Excellent!
A great comment, Dr. Dillip Thank you very much.