rumor is a spineless seed dipped in fertile shadow dirt
that multiplies and causes pain and unexpected hurt
silence, a bed partner that takes but never gives back
as a man tells a buddy how easy he got her in the sack
black spots jump off potatoes and out of a perfect dish
surviving boiling water and a blemish on an ideal wish
misfortune of a hammer that averted a four-inch nail
a hungry man begs for food and becomes a vulgar tale
To finish reading this piece, please go to Masticadores Latinos English Edition. Thank you for the publication, Francisco.
I loved the poem, Joni. The hungry man imagery really struck me–there’s such a stigma attached to poverty, and it’s so unfair. This piece has a wonderful flow, and your imagery is splendid as always. Such a delight to read more from you, my friend. Hope everything is good in your world. 😊
Dearest Mike, thank you for reading and your kindness as always. I am glad you enjoyed the imagery although it is very sad. When I was in Seattle I worked downtown and took a bus like most people did. However, I would have to walk up steep city slopes and pass at least twenty homeless people every day. It was devastation to me and at first I tried to carry money and give some to the homeless folks I passed but after working downtown for a long time you realize you just can’t help everyone. I think they did delay SNAP benefits even though the courts said that they would not let them discontinue the program. It is such a sad state of affairs and it is very hard not to be depressed about what is going on in this world. Thank you for reading and hugs and love from both of us.
Congrats, Joni, that your fascinating poem was published there.
Dearest Timothy, I don’t know what I have done to deserve your kindness as I have been remiss in doing much on line. Yet you still read my work. You are a much appreciated friend and fellow artist. Blessings and best wishes always to you and your family.
I hope for blessings to you and yours, Joni! 😍🙏
Thank you my friend. Those blessings mean a lot. 🫶❤️
Congratulations, Joni.
Thank you so much Tim. I appreciate your reading and hope that you two are doing well with all your furry friends and family. Big hugs my friend.
This is magnificent poetry to me, Joni. Its packed with social commentary and written in the perfect tone and energy. Always happy when I see you sharing a piece.
Hope you and Scott are well, my dear friend.
Glad you enjoyed this piece Nigel. Rumor’s cause a lot of damage as does gossip. Yes, I am writing more finally but still don’t plan on getting back to it full time which I use to spend 6 to 8 hours a day. I like spending time with my husband and we enjoy each other’s company and family is the most important thing to me. I know you will appreciate the sentiment as you too, care a lot about your family. Thank you for reading Nigel and for your kind comment. Scott and I are doing great, thank you for asking. We are enjoying retirement and each other. Big hugs, Joni
Happy to.hwar that you guys are doing well. 🥰
Hello Dear Nigel, I hope that you got to spend some time with your brother at least over the holiday. I know you are swamped. We both send our love and many blessings your way. 🙏❤️
Hi joni. Yeah, I managed a few hours on Thursday morning.
We are both so glad to hear you had some family time Nigel we know how busy you are. Again we both send our love and hugs.
it’s a sad reality.
Hello dearest Cassa. Yes it is and it is something that changes the more it is told. Many hugs and lots of love my friend. Thank you so much for reading. ❤️🙏❤️
Always a pleasure to read your work, thought provoking.
Thank you for your kind words. Hope your day is filled with love. 💕
You speak hard truths, Joni, but always w/ a loving heart. Sending much love your way, dear friend. <3
Dearest Anna, It is wonderful to hear from you my friend. I am finally feeling much better and slowly making the rounds as I actually read what I like. You are a sweetie to read this piece. Gossip today, well so grateful that you and I with our challenges as younguns are not dealing with the hate and vileness that attacks the youth of today if you happened to be someone who is not pretty, thin, rich, or a great athlete.
It was bad enough while we were growing up and it just gets worse. So glad we both have faith and I am so glad we do because the world is in the biggest mess that I am aware of during my lifetime. We are blessed to have food and shelter Anna. Visiting your site next. Sending you much love always to you and your family.
oh Joni,
This is not for the faint of heart and truly shared with such vivid emotion and such disdain. Sooo sad!!! xo
Dear Cindy, thank you so much for reading my piece on Latinos English Version. I truly appreciate it and you are certainly right in your summation. Gossip is such a damaging thing to so many people. All of us have been victims of gossip at one time or another and the aftermath of what may be just cruelty, jealousy, or down right misinterpretation of a conversation that one person had with the victim of gossip. Thank you for your comment which I always enjoy hearing from everyone so much, and I love reading your posts which offer up a feast of things. You are one of those bloggers that put so much into each blog. An enormous Happy Thanksgiving to your family and I hope that you don’t miss the two family members that will not be there this year too badly. It is hard to be without our kids when we are a close family, what a blessing. Love you Cindy!