Rett

Jan 14, 2009 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

Despair

How am I to deal with things
I just can’t foresee
Bobby has a basketball
But he won’t play with me

Jimmy has a brand new bike
And he won’t let me ride
Mama tries so very hard
But I see the tears she’s cried

I don’t have what others do
And I feel sad inside
Donnie always shares with me
Makes sure my tears are dried

I pick up cans beside the road
Even though I look the fool
That way I can earn enough
To eat my lunch at school

Mama tries so very hard
Since my daddy died
But we don’t have much to eat
And mama hurts inside

I say my prayers every night
While mama holds my hand
I must be doing something wrong
God help me understand

I don’t ask for very much
Just help mama one more day
She’s getting weaker I can tell
And I’ve heard the doctors say...

Although it doesn't reflect it, this came about because of chat last night. The title that actually spawned it was "Looking into Your Eyes". The term is not used in this, but I got to thinking. What would a child feel looking into the eyes of his mother knowing she was going to die. (Just found an error and fixed it which threw the next line off so fixed that also)

— Rett, Jan 14, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Southern Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: Dickenson, Longfellow

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Critiques

poewriter58

17 years 4 months ago

Rett

Most heart wrenching poem I'm sitting here crying. You have depicted what a child might feel so acutely awesome writing No words can express the depth and beauty and empathy it took to write it. Chrys

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

My humble thanks Chrys

It continually amazes me what can set off a poem in my head. This one came after I left chat and there has been no editing whatsoever. I put it up as is. I am glad you liked it and for the record, I read it after I finished and started having a sprinkler system leak. Sometimes I seem to go some other place when I write and when I get back the words are there and I wonder how they came. Thank you very much. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

Kailashana

17 years 4 months ago

Rett, You sure know how to

Rett, You sure know how to pull the heart's strings.... no wonder your poetry is always *spotlighted*... Occam's Razor applies. Simplicity without pretense. The best that a *confessional poet* offers....though, your poetry is always a bit edgy, or is that off-the-cuff? ;-) Smile. ~A "All in all, it's just another brick in the wall." Pink Floyd There are no walls except for the ones we build. ~me~

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Thanks Anna

But what is a confessional poet? I am a wysiwyg guy. I write what strikes me at the time. "off the cuff" I suppose so as I am as apt to write about smacking my face into a tree limb as anything else. *LOL* Edgy, not sure, I'm just me. *LOL* I appreciate it Anna, you always delight me and surprise me also. ((HUGS)) Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

Tink

17 years 4 months ago

Wow!

Rett this is just awesome and capavating. It does a great job of seeing into a child's logic and ability to turn whatever is wrong into something they have or have not done. Taking the blame onto themselves. Incredible. I am so glad that last night's chat, "Titles that need poems" helped to inspire this write. I'll have to do that theme more often! That title "Looking Into Your Eyes" was just one of many I have sitting in my notebook waiting for me to write to it. I don't think I could do near as good of a job that you have here. Live, Laugh and Love (and don't forget to write) Tink

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

My sincere thanks

I am glad you liked it a bit taken aback by the praise for it. I enjoy writing whether it be from titles or subjects or things that just happen. Sometime I look at the serious side, sometimes the ridiculous. Again, thank you. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

yenti

17 years 4 months ago

Rett

as usual a piece that will just bring praise, easy on the mind and a hard life depicted. You have a great ability, to see things outside of your own lifes experiences, and the great ability to show others in words how the feelings flow. It shows a hard life of having to learn from others mistakes and the way a beautiful person can come out the other side, and be able to understand a multitude of lifes ways. I know you are humble enough to accept, that which you are, and the effect you have on others, who walk with you. Yours, Ian PS:- Hug that tree it feels better that way LOL.

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Thanks a lot Ian

A hard life, yeah, I can't complain as others had harder than I. I think a big key is learning from your own and other people's mistakes and trying not to repeat them. I'm happy with me in most ways. I could have been worse or better, but I accept how I am and keep striving for better. Ability, I don't know, I just write what I see, feel or have had happen to me or someone else. I appreciate the kind words my friend and am very glad you liked the poem. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

infinite_dwarf

17 years 4 months ago

wow, Rett

This is awesome. You were really coming up with good stuff in chat last night. Everyone was. *applauds* ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- -"And he talks to the river of lost love and dedication And silent replies that swirl invitation Flow dark and troubled to an oily sea A grim intimation of what is to be" - Pink Floyd

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Thanks Jess

Everyone including you were smoking hot last night. Really belting out some good ones. Glad you liked it. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

melissazen

17 years 4 months ago

Precious Child

Hi Rhett, I like the poem because it is about something very real and was easy to read. Thanks (:

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Thank you

I truly appreciate it. Very glad you liked it. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

prayersbyPatty

17 years 4 months ago

Rett

Not sure how that would look, but I have no sorrow for the child. I think he/she will grow up to be a good person and be compassionate. Don't get me wrong, I have compassion, but my childhood was like this and my mom passed. Dad was not dead, but drunk. It was the happiest time of my life I was happy to enjoy popcorn one day of the week. Many children today are given everything and so they do not treasure anything, they do not have a favorite doll, just want another video game or drugs. But that is about the emotions. About the poem, it pulled on my heart, but that child will appreciate the "simple things in life" and you did a good job of relaying that. We should all be grateful for what we have. I know I am. Good write! Patty

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Thank you Patty

usually those that have seen rough time grow up the better for it with more understanding. You are absolutely right. Those kinds of selfish things are more common in the well off ones than the ones that grew up hard. I have also found over the years that those that grew up hard seem to remember things farther back to a younger age. My first memories are at a year and a half and my brothers making little wooden paddle boats using a rubber band and me watching them go across the mud puddles. Funny what sticks isn't it? Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

prayersbyPatty

17 years 4 months ago

LMAO

I had older siblings too, I remember throwing a ball over the roof for hours then the time they pushed me down the stairs and telling mom I fell. We are still the best of friends, we fought our own battles, made our own games. Patty

Aroha

17 years 4 months ago

Tearful poem Rett

Wow that was great, i really enjoy emotional poems like these.That are heart wrenching but so true.I can put myself into that child although i have never had an up bringing as such.Mothers do what they can for their children and for that child to ask for help for his mother rather than something he may want,just to be like all the other kids was a remarkable finishing touch.I loved it (partner asked why i was crying) now i have to read it outloud to him and cry all the while doing it.....LOL.....

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

Oh my, hope you didn't short out the keyboard! G

Seriously, thank you. I am glad it affected you so strongly as that means it did what it was supposed to. It is tough to read and/or speak when crying so hope that went okay. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."

Sinbadthesailorman

17 years 4 months ago

Rett The off the cuff poem that just comes to mind

I think these are the ones that stand the test of time. I often wonder what the subconious mind is doing. While we go about are daily living. I like to read and write poetry that makes my subconious mind rise to the surface to take in something, as a blue whale would when it takes a breath and then disapears from the area never to be seen again. Nicely done. Screw Bobby and Jimmy If I had a basket ball Or a bike I would share them with you. Donnie/Sinbad I remember collecting pop bottles and cans too. Shoveling snow, mowing grass whatever I could do to help my mom out. Looks like those days are coming back for many more familys now. And yes we over indulg our children when we can, some of us as a way to show love, that we ourself thought we never got.

Rett

17 years 4 months ago

That may well be truer than you know Donnie

I gave my children so much more than I had, not because of any grasp at greatness, but only because I wanted them to have more than I did. Still there were rules that had to be followed. As each of them got old enough for their own vehicle, I made a deal with them. I would pay for half, they had to earn the other half and pay for it themselves. Also any maintenance was their responsibility. This had two fold effect. One, their vehicular aspirations came down drastically, (LOL) and they took care of them. I am very pleased you liked the poem. I think we all know a Bobby of Jimmy even today. Thank you very much for reading and for your insight on life my friend. Respectfully, Rett: "Next time you think you're perfect, walk on water."