I am scared out of my mind. I am …
I am scared out of my mind. I am the oldest of 8 children and I have 4 children of my own. I just started college and …
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butterflyzrfree 
4:09am, July 20, 2009
The old lose their language
In native tongue timing is clean, like water
Sparkling, clear, simple
Like before the war.
Why waste time with English?
It has no space for memories
Clipped, efficient, like soldiers
Marching through the mind.
When I was young we spoke feelings.
Beauty, nature, song prayer, a baby's cry
A girl laughing and a tear
How it feels when the wind blows
abd the sun shines.
There are 47 words for rice
45 for palm trees
Seven names for ocean waves
And many more for clouds and rain.
There is no word 'senile"
We say "one foot in the other world"
All this before the war
And Whoever was left stumbled here
We survived, were fed, clothed,
Until they tired of us.
Then:
A training manuel
"How to Speak English"
American Food--the Basics"
"Rules for a Good Employee"
"Good Manners in Public Places" and
"Proper dress for Men and Ladies"
We learned invisibility.
It was not bad.
No more war, that was good.
Now old, we lose the language
That we never understood
by Gail Gutierrez
UPDATED GOALS
To accept myself
Progress 45%
Encouragements: 1
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very intense and sad. but understood
stillhere2008
Thank you for your comment! Gail
butterflyzrfree
I liked that poem, it is powerful yet has a gentle air about it. It has pain, violence, and compassion all rolled into a poignant message. I can’t help but be sad reading it. Thanks for posting it.
mikeh
Gail,
You have a gift which you use give so many a voice. Thank you.
wardman
Thank you so much Wardman and Mike! I appreciate your comments greatly! I Have a great respect for your opinions and am honored.
butterflyzrfree
thats awesome!
ABrow
Thanks ABrow! Its awesome to get complements! ;-) Nothing could make my day more! You have a great one! Gail
butterflyzrfree