lasher

Where I Come From

A scarecrow leers at me today…..
He lurks behind a fence,
standing silent sentinel
against the scavengers above.

There are many fences
where I come from –
parceling fortresses
behind tree-lined streets.

Families gather at the local fields
to watch their children shag –
Clucking with friends while they
covet their neighbor’s wives.

There are many churches
where I come from,
Sunday morning saints atoning
for a week of indulgence.

Careful eyes with pasted smiles
and a fairly hearty “How do ya do?”
are strewn about with the
wariness of a dog over a bone.

Yes, neighbors are watching
where I come from.
They guard their young against
the onslaught of pushers and pimps.

The long-arms ever on the prowl;
guarding their borders against
the rising tide of muggings and
infections from neighboring cities.

Small town USA is where I come
from; teeming with poise, pride and
petty rivalries – just all American
people living an all American dream.

Altree94

Very nice! Love your use of repetition - really gives it a lyrical beat!
Good use of irony as well!
- Tree.

PaintedDiary

Dear lasher,

This was a very realistic write. As Ms Tree mentioned the "irony", added so much depth, and feeling to the poem. What stood out was the "holding on" to the all "American Dream", above all. The stanzas I highlighted stood out to me, and speaks intimately "if you will" in my opinion. The very first stanza spoke volumes, and set the tone of the piece. Especially the word choice. I loved the irony of the selection of the words "parceling fortresses". As one knows, a fortress is a place of what is understood to have exceptional security. Yet, the fear of the onslaught of pushers and pimps are in your neighborhood as well. As this "invasion" seeks all towns, all neighborhoods, from the most infested, to elite gated communities, even to small town USA's.

This world of war
drugs, killing, and tears
the wealthy and homeless
separated by the dollar
now share the same fears


Thank you for a thought provoking scribe lasher, and I enjoyed this very much. It inspired me to scribe the short verse above. Great job dear poet!!

{{{~~**PD**~~}}}

Benny

Extremely well written...an honest truth about who we are, even at our best. The human race is the most fickle and dangerous thing in existence...eh, I wasn't talking about me, of course. Great work, muse.