Neopoet

Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

wolfycat
wolfycat
Oct 11, 2007 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

What If You Were From The Wrong Side Of The Tracks

If you were from the wrong side of the tracks

You would know how it feels…

To be judged because you were hungry,

And for not having enough possessions, or money.

 

If you were from the wrong side of the tracks

You would know how it feels…

To have your character assassinated,

With doubts of self-worth flooding your head.

 

If you were from the wrong side of the tracks

You would know how it feels…

To be ignored and mocked,

And to have every opportunity blocked.

 

If you were from the wrong side of the tracks

No one would ever see…

What is inside your heart.

They would not even let you start.

 

But if you were from the wrong side of the tracks…

You might discover the finer things in life,

Like compassion and honesty,

The loyalty of a family,

The beauty of a fall leaf,

A cool, starlit night,

A drink of cold water on a really hot day,

A newborn foal that puts his trust in you,

Or the friendship of a furry dog.

 

If you were from the wrong side of the tracks-

You would know how it feels

To be…

Me.

 

Catherine M. Howell

10/11/07

 

— wolfycat, Oct 11, 2007

About This Poem

About the Author

Country/Region: USA

More from this author

Critiques

P

purplemoondoll

18 years 8 months ago

This is Awesome Writing

I absolutely love this poem. Great message! I particularly like these lines:- If you were from the wrong side of the tracks You would know how it feels… To have your character assassinated, With doubts of self-worth flooding your head. I can relate to this so well. I really look forward to seeing more of your work. This shows a great deal of insight and talent. Kaz x
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 8 months ago

Thank you so much!

Hello Kaz X., Thank you for reading and commenting and also for understanding where I am coming from in this writing. I, also, look forward to reading more of yours. Wolfycat.
I

IKnowNoBox

18 years 8 months ago

I too come from the "wrong side of the tracks"

and everybody I knew from the right side that took time to get to know me.Well I call the Superficial Masses ' Dumbed Masses' It wasn't their fault that's all they knew,It was breed into them ......Now again I am turned about oh Wolf Cat you so get me thinking. towns without tracks,then use sides east side, west side,all an illusion of social pride.Surfs,Socies,and punks. Divide,catorgories,and conquer. Sad even animals do it. Bammo! on this one. In ink, IKnowNoBox(or side)
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 8 months ago

You Are Correct

What inspired this write? Two women where I work...talking about the "less fortunate"... oh it got my blood stirring. There are good and bad on both sides of the tracks, yes? I have also seen animals do it. There is a young mare, among our horses, that I have to protect... so the rest will not tear her to shreds. She is thick to it, though. Makes me wonder, as I watch them. Thanks so much for taking the time to read...and leave a comment. Wolfycat.
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 8 months ago

Yep!

You are right. What is less fortunate anyways! I say someone with a bad, arrogant attitude. Hence, loving the beautiful, simple things in life. Wolfy.
weirdelf

weirdelf

18 years 8 months ago

Dear Wolfy, I absolutely adore the heart that is in your work.

I was born and bred very much on the right side of the tracks. But my life has mostly led me to live on the other side. I have felt everything you spoke. What I can't get over, what absolutely shits me to tears and sends me into a blind rage is seeing rich kids who feel that their parent's affluence somehow transfers a superiority on themselves. Am not a violent man but just want to choke the little fuckers. Excuse my french, I get kind of worked up about this subject. cheers, Jess
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 8 months ago

Hello Jess

And I appreciate that you speak from your heart "honestly" ... for there is more needed in this world where we live. Thank you again for reading and commenting Jess. Best Wishes, Cathy (Wolfycat)
J

JulieMcCarty

18 years 7 months ago

Hello Wolfy

I love this poem! I am from the wrong side of the tracks and have had my character assasinated more than once, but I have refused to let it keep me down. I am now a nurse making good money and sometimes ( I know this sounds childish) but would love to find all of those people who said I was just trash and would never be anything and say look at me now HA HA. I have learned to appreciate many things in my life. I am thankful for those tracks they made me who I am today and I like me :) Thanks for this one! Julie
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 7 months ago

It does not seem childish...

to want to show people who tried to hold you down that you are simply NOT what they said you were. The older I get... I realize that what matters most is what is inside of me... how I react. You are correct when you state that your experiences in life have made you who you are. I believe it makes us compassionate, caring people. Thanks so much for reading my poem, and commenting. By the way, my daughter will graduate in December from nursing school...a very noble profession. Congratualations to you! Wolfy.