Here

[Lisa Arnold]

here
spit don’t fly
in the wind and there
ain’t no cape wearing hero
or heroine
going to swoop down
and save the day

here
death precedes life. Yes,
the sentence is swift
and brutal. No, it does
not offer mercy or forget
or forgive.

here
piled deep ashes
hold secrets only the brave
dare to explore; look among
the ruins for lives remnants
and just maybe one or two
stories will be disclosed

here
the price for escaping
is always paid. Lives perish
in this wretched place as
engulfed dreams lie buried
beneath weight of existence

here
death lingers in the cracks,
corners and walls
a pungent stench
is nestled inside the halls
where the cockroaches
and rats roam

here
fear is real and
relentless and, yes,
it knows and collects every name.
Many ask, but, I am sorry
to reveal a reprieve
is almost never granted


©2021 Lisa Arnold

[trina]

Lisa, your well-crafted poem perfectly captures blight and hopelessness that many suffer

thanks for sharing

[Bob]

poignant and blunt write that you have perfectly penned

[rico]

a sad but important write that tells it like it is...I enjoyed the read

[Betty]

Lisa, I must say this engaging write is moving and stirs the emotions

for posting it here

[Reggie]

Dear Lisa, your well-expressed poem really made me stop and think and it explores urban blight and human suffering perfectly

[mark]

this poem made me feel sad but I totally get the importance of your theme and found it to be poignantly written

[Lisa Arnold]

so much for the reads and comments Trina, Bob, Rico, Betty, Reg and Mark

[Sierra]

Your poem speaks volumes and is well presented, thanks for the great read🙂👍

[Charles]

solid write and timeless theme, well executed poem ⭐⭐⭐

[icee]

Your poem flows well and has a strong voice, great job🌟

[Lee]

Lisa I like the style and theme of this woke write⭐👍🙂

[Joan]

Solid and bold poem⭐⭐⭐

[Treasure]

Meaningful and true write, great job⭐🌟👍

[Silent-One]

Lisa, your poem is powerfully penned! Thanks for sharing🙂