Seeking Shelter (COLLAB with Sarah)

by Jenni Marie & PinkyPrincess   Sep 11, 2012


*Written for Abed's Hunger Games Contest Round Three*

Sitting with Momma, the same place we always sit
where we eat, talk, sleep, and live,
it's supposed to be our sanctuary;
we call it home, yet, it isn't even a home

Tonight, I will sleep outside, to the closest thing I'd call home
laying there freezing, shivering, counting the number of brittle days
that I pray for sleep to gently extract me and take me away

Thunder roars as the heavens open and rain washes away the crimes of
dirty streets, tapping relentlessly on windows,
while my broken body cries for shelter and tears fall; mixing with the raindrops... still, we strive for survival

Momma and I struggled to do our best
saving each penny that is tossed our way
hoping, praying, for a better day
dreaming of jewels and riches, wishing to cultivate our American dream

Lightning flashes in the distance while the torrential downpour continues
Cold seeps into my soul and I know undoubtedly tonight is just a repeat of the last, a premonition of the next and I will sit between dusk and dawn
praying, with my eyes closed, for a better tomorrow

Momma's arms encircle this bruised body and silently, I weep
this life was not meant for her, for me, for us and yet still,
she constantly glazes me with her unconditional love
I know that somehow, somewhere, at any hour of the day or night,
God will shine down on us and protect us

The rain continues to splatter loudly and the cold storm is inevitable
More lightning streaks while thunder's screams pierce through our bodies
I look to Momma, and I see how weak she has become, while I cover her,
and pray she finds the strength that she has given me

The cold has overtaken her body, gasping instead of breathing,
her eyes close slowly and I search for her icy pulse, life slowly draining
yet her lips part slightly, mumbling a single word: "h-o-p-e."
I nod, tears covering my face, as her eyes close for the final time

Raising my eyes to the heavens
overwhelmed with such loss and grief
somehow though, I know she's watching, listening, protecting,
and so I pray to her, only to her, and whisper,
"The sky's still pink, Momma."

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Latest Comments

  • 12 years ago

    by Khalid M Darwish

    Oh this is a very touching piece. It really reminds me with mother and I do relate to it to the maximum extent. I really loved the last two stanzas the most. In my opinion this poem should belong to the sad category more than to the life category coz it includes tears. Well this is just my opinion. I loved your poem, keep penning.

  • 12 years ago

    by Yakori bint Muhammed

    Oh! Such a beautifully written story of life, hope, survival and struggles. Through the eyes and experiences of a daughter and mother. Very touching and real. You both did a job welldone with this.

    In life we at times find our destinies altered. Everything changing drastically for the worse. Nothing seem to be a smooth sail. It's hard to provide a moment meal. So 3 square meal you're deprived of, because its become a privilege. Streets, under bridges and corner kiosk are the shelter you know, than the normal houses. Clothings you don't have only yester years dirty clothes that have turned to rags. Hygiene you're far away from. All basic necessities you're bereft from. However, with all that, perseverance and a will to better your life lingers within you.

    No matter the hardship, hope, peace, a good life will come knocking and all the struggles for survival on the streets will be over. Nothing is impossible, just to keep a staunch faith and to believe a capricious course will happen in your life. Sad that her Mum died but she's hopeful that better times are coming someday sooner or later. Till then life goes on..
    Excellent!!

  • 12 years ago

    by PinkyPrincess

    Thank you Abed! Jenni - it was so lovely to collaborate with you in the contest, and I had a lot of fun. I'm proud of what we accomplished and happy it made me get to know you more!

    I like how our styles mixed well with writing this poem... and how we didn't write each stanza alone, but wrote it altogether. =)

  • 12 years ago

    by Jenni Marie

    Hahaha, thanks Abed..once we had the general idea down the title just fit it perfectly :D

    Thank you for having me :)

  • 12 years ago

    by Decayed

    Hehe.. thanks for using one of my titles :) It made the collab prettier, lol jk.

    This piece is one of the most dramatic piece I have read in the contest. The only thing that annoyed me in it is its length; yet, that didn't prevent me from being sucked in to the world you have drew... which is rainy, nostalgic, and dripping with hope.

    That ending was one heck of an ending!!!!!!
    It carries so much meaning.. it's so dense and deep. It reminds me actually of La Vie En Rose.... it kind of brings you hope for the future... Although you have killed people, you couldn't but move on because life doesn't wait... and... the sky's still pink, even if earth is sinking in blood.

    OH, BEAUTIFUL... Jenni & Sarah, you did more than an awesome job in this round.

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