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Dennis Go
Dennis Go
Jul 17, 2010 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

Ode To Poverty

The bright lights have faded
Along this place I call home.
Sidewalks lie deserted
As shadows seal my throne.
A blanket, maybe, to ease the chill
Of midnight's hunger and woe.
So hard it is when you have nothing.
So sad to be alone.

Daylight strikes, a new morning.
Again, the toil, once more.
Seek the needs of an empty stomach
Only dust labeled on the floor.
Pitiful am I to the sights of many.
Pitiful, a soul can be,
When nighttime lies without a pillow
And daytime abhors life's elegy. 
— Dennis Go, Jul 17, 2010

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Manila, PHL

Favorite Poets: R.S. Thomas, William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas

More from this author

Critiques

xena465

xena465

15 years 10 months ago

Superb

This is so great Dennis, very deep and wonderful. Just a couple of things in these lines… Only dust labeled on the floor. ………………[labelled] not sure if this can be written both ways? When nighttime lies without a pillow …………………[night time] two words Xena Quote: Science is what you know; philosophy is what you don't know. - Bertrand Russell
Dennis Go

Dennis Go

15 years 10 months ago

Thanks Xena

Glad you like this one. Label when written in past tense can now both be "labeled" or "labelled". But I don't know if you noticed, while you were writing in this comment box the word "labelled" is considered wrong by the spelling check. Basically "labeled" is the one acceptable. The word nighttime is an alternate for night time and is also considered in the English language. Try looking at it on the online dictionary sites. Thanks for your kind observation :)
Dennis Go

Dennis Go

15 years 10 months ago

oh really?

Maybe you can elaborate more on your criticism and be more helpful.
xena465

xena465

15 years 10 months ago

So...

Mr Jess ... Why don't you help to make it better instead of leaving rude comments to people who don't always think like you? Xena Quote: Science is what you know; philosophy is what you don't know. - Bertrand Russell
weirdelf

weirdelf

15 years 10 months ago

You are still upset that I

You are still upset that I canned your lousy poem about the drug addict. write what you know. Content counts more than form. Cheers, Jess, Praise helps no poet, have the courage and generousity to give critique.
xena465

xena465

15 years 10 months ago

Mr Jess

You just don't get it that people do progress with praise in the long run and can write about what they want to in any way they wish. It’s their right and you or anyone else can’t dictate subjects whether it’s from true experience or not. If you can’t help with the poem you downgrade then leave them be for the poets to enjoy what pleases them. And please don’t attack me just because I see a poem as brilliant and you don’t. It’s my opinion and mine alone. I believe we should help each other, even if it’s just with spelling and the little things. The grammar and more complex help should come from people who are willing to take the time to explain how to make it better, not just say a few hurtful words and then leave the poet feeling downhearted and less than they are. PS. I don’t want you to talk to me on this subject again as I’ve explained my feelings to you. You do your thing and let me do mine. Yes it’s a workshop, and every little bit of advice from me is me taking part in the workshop. Please don’t clutter this poet’s page with your comments with the intent to bring me down. I do a good enough job on this site and I don’t deserve to be ridiculed by you. Subject matter closed … End of. Xena Quote: Science is what you know; philosophy is what you don't know. - Bertrand Russell
M

magics02

15 years 10 months ago

If I may here

Elf maybe you can give our newest member here a better explanation of what (but not a brilliant write) means so he can better understand your comment. Unless of course that is your opinion and you shall leave it at that. Just trying to help and not hinder progress of an author and his or her writes. I know you can do this Elf. I thank you so. Mona
MS

Mari Shine

15 years 10 months ago

Well Dennis, I think this is

Well Dennis, I think this is the most indepth write, I have been so privileged to read in quite a long time. You show the reader a picture from life's other side through your well chosen words and poignant imagery. Like you, I too use the term 'nightime', it is a recognised word in any dictionary and I prefer it to it's split version night time. You give the reader the other side of the coin of life, in this finely penned write Dennis, quite difficult for a mind used to having all the comforts of life to comprehend. You, through your words, give a voice to the many voiceless people who have nobody to listen to their words or care about their needs. For that, from my heart, I thank you! I thank you also for sharing this very poignant write with me. It tugged at my heartstrings as I read Dennis. Superb penning!
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

15 years 10 months ago

Dear Dennis

A raw and powerful write. my favorite lines are: A blanket, maybe, to ease the chill Of midnight’s hunger and woe. So hard it is when you have nothing. So sad to be alone. Always, Cat
Seren

Seren

15 years 10 months ago

Dear Dennis

I dont feel this is your best but I believe with the tiniest amount of work it will be one of ... I got the sights and I got sound ... but I couldnt feel this one, but then given to topic maybe i wasnt meant to ? ... smile love and hugs JayCee (“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson quote)
Dennis Go

Dennis Go

15 years 10 months ago

Thanks JayCee :)

I agree with you 100% that this is a raw write and wasn't the best. I wrote this about ten years ago or more when I was starting to write poetry and not yet that in-depth. I prefer to keep it as it is to preserve its nostalgic feel. (To me, that is). Thanks for the honest comment :)
M

magics02

15 years 10 months ago

Dennis friend

This write of yours caught me as written from a homeless person on the streets. Please let me know if I captured this one on spot. You talked of the blankets and hunger and my thoughts came to all the people I see day by day living on the streets. I liked this piece and applaud you for writing it so. Love at ya guy Mona Magics
Dennis Go

Dennis Go

15 years 10 months ago

Thanks Mona

Yes you're right. This is about the homeless and less fortunate people who strive to survive. Thanks for your kind comment. :)
M

magics02

15 years 10 months ago

Yes I felt this piece

Throught the whole read of yours and I say it was very well written and expressed the vision you wanted to reach your readers. Good job Dennis Love,Mona xxoxoxo
faithmairee

faithmairee

15 years 10 months ago

Very Well Done

I think your description of the homeless is praise-worthy and really true to life in this poem. You have such a wonderful way with words. Well done, Dennis. Love-Faith ~If you can't help someone atleast ways don't hurt them.~