Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 18 January 1996 — Page 19

The Muncie Times, January 18,1996, Page 19

►POETRY

Clarence Motley and Friends

Normally, The Muncie Times retains the right to edit aU materials submitted for publication. Because of the unique nature of poetry, however, we have suspended this rule for “Poet’s Comer”. African American poets o n use e vernacular of the contemporary black experience, and their work is sometimes sanirated with the language, rhythm and semantics of the streets. This language is their instrument, without which they cannot play meir song. At the Muncie Times, we will not try to stifle creativity by the application of hard journalistic rules to S^^^^»pS yo “ v ' m ^ wm '” ,tep ™“ 4ofcourse ’ a ” dwedorese " ethe

Do We Dare? Do we dare to stand up and say, There is something wrong with our world today. Breaking their spirits, turning their souls toward dope, Swooping truth for hearsay steals the children’s hope. We made mistakes, admitting them carries no blame, It’s when we don’t act; that’s the shame. So lend a hand by opening your eyes, Change what we’ve done by stopping the lies. Nothing we do can change you or I, Until we have no tears left to cry. But, by then it may be too late, For we may have already sealed our fate. Consumed by a system, destroying what we share, Gives little to faith that anyone can care. Consumed by a system, destroying what we share, Gives little to faith that anyone can care. No matter the reason we give as why, It’s time we all stopped living the lie. by Joseph Wayne Haynes

Going Through Loneliness Can you imagine getting up in the morning and you are all alone? Can you imagine going around your house and your loved ones are not there? Where can they be? Can you imagine not having any friends and not even having anybody to care about you? Can you imagine going through your last day? Can you even imagine taking your own life? That’s the way I feel sometimes. Because I feel that no one cares for me anymore. But then I find that there are other people who feel just like I do. Lonely, They need me and I need them. I reach out to them, and they reach back. Then the loneliness is gone. by Sandra McGee

Tomorrow’s Child The weeping of a planet’s people once graced. Nothing returned whence removed from its place, Timberland destroyed, waters contaminated, now..burning the sky, Without clean air tomorrow’s child will surely die. With fire and shot inner cities discharge destruction, Only from love and peace can we begin reconstruction. First fill the hand, then heal the heart, Bring us together, that’s where tomorrow’s child will start. A new beginning, time to rebuild our lives, Men must take responsibility and live with their wives. Put down the drugs, stop lusting after greed, Show tomorrow’s child, life begins with good deeds. Life’s breeze carried by hope in our hand, Know by sharing which brings change across the land. All but no difference between race, creed or color. For tomorrow’s child will be someone’s sister or brother. by Joseph Wayne Haynes

How do you tell a 4-year-old she may never be 5 ?

Blood. Give a little so someone can live. Ball Memorial Hospital Blood Bank Mon.-Fri. 8 am to 6 pm Sat. a am to 2 pm Call 747-3219 for an appointment