A. L. Kaplan

Tag: poem

  • HOPE

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    Voices jabber around me like crows, spitting harsh, cold words. They battle over differences, snubbing those who are not the same.

    Invisible, I walk among them, whispering brotherhood. Lift one up, steady another. Silent, unseen, I plant compassion

    A spark of truth births understanding. Only to be beaten down by those who refuse to accept. Even the flame of truth can’t survive a tsunami of ignorance and hate.

    I take a deep breath, then move through them again. I cannot cease. I will not, until the squalls and misunderstandings are resolved. Until all the world sings together.

  • AWAKENING

    Winter's Icy Grip

    In winter’s icy grip

    Life Begins

    Life begins

    Struggles for PurposeStruggles for purpose

    Against All Odds

    Against all odds

    TriumphantTriumphant

  • Fledgling

    Little fledgling

    So smart, pretty

    Some feathers sprout later than others

    Each more brilliant than the last

    One by one you stretch your wings

    Testing the wind

     

     

    With tears I watch

    Soon you’ll fly far away

    Return home soon my little fledgling

    Young, almost grown

    Powerful wings that no longer flutter

    A fledgling no more

  • It’s Only A Dog

    A fuzzy face and small pink tongue
    Little tail swishing back and forth
    Joyful exuberance at every greeting
    New friend with the trusting eyes
    Chasing tails and squirrels alike
     
    Barking, yapping all night long
    Scattered papers and chewed remotes
    Trash strewn and shredded slippers
    Piles and puddles on the floor
    Drool and fur even on the door
     
    Stealing food from highest hight
    Sickness, always at midnight
    Enormous vet bills, headaches, stress
    Restless nights with no rest
    Endless panting, jumping and yet…
     
    Unconditional love in those trusting eyes
    Always glad to see you even on your grumpiest day
    Greeting as if you’ve been gone an eternity
    Even after only a moment
    Lifting you up when sadness abounds
     
    Running in the park and chasing balls
    Catching Frisbees
    Tongue hanging in joy
    Happy days splashing in the lake
    Snuggling close into soothing fur
     
    Slowing down
    The table’s too high
    Silver fur replacing dark
    Soft eyes,
    A swishing tail
     
    I understand
    It’s time to say goodbye
    Letting go with a heavy heart
    It’s only a dog
    Yet so much more

  • There’s A Hole In My Soul

    There is a hole in my soul.

    An empty place where my friends once played.

    Stolen, ripped out by a stranger with a gun.

    Why?

    How could this happen?

    Innocent eyes, trusting, closed forever.

    I don’t understand.

    Grown-ups, once pillars of stone, tremble and hold us close.

    They are anxious, shaken.

    So am I.

    Insecure.

    Lonely.

    Empty.