I have been sentenced to multiple
life terms
I have learned
What bridges to cross
And what bridges to burn
But see,
The life I am living
And the life I have lived
Are both so damn unforgiving
I did not choose life
Life chose me
And G-O-D made me a minority
So now I suppose that you chose
For me not to be persistent
And not to try and make a difference
But see, we have both failed
In our efforts to keep each other down
I have found
That in the court of public opinion
The messages you are sending
Is the message of hate
As you lay down the bait
And wait for those who
Don't know any better
And can't stand the stormy
Weather
See it has been raining on me
Since the day I was born
I have been drenched
Lynched
Sidelined and benched
Told that the game
Is not for me
Because I was a minority
So I seized the opportunity
And ran faster
Jumped farther
Soared higher
Until they saw the talent
with in me
Still I am waiting to be adjudged
By the judge
And the jury
You know my story
That is why some hate it
Because I will be vindicated
Despite the negative ways
I had to survive
I am alive
So despite how you feel about me
You will see
The messages they'll be sending
In the court of public opinion
Is that I am NOT GUILTY!

[This message was edited on 04-17-03 at 09:17 AM.]

And I am co-author to this masterpiece? I am flattered, but undeserving. This is yours and a beauty it is! A great follow-up. I still want to know how do you do it?!

[This message was edited on 04-17-03 at 09:41 AM.]

I disagree with some of your opinions, you never cease to amaze me. Nice Work-

-countrygirl05-
"A Poem Begins With A Lump In The Throat"
-Robert Frost

I knew you'd do it again...!

So I seized the opportunity
And ran faster
Jumped farther
Soared higher
Until they saw the talent
with in me

I think these few lines best capture the essence of your poem...

^*--$iren--*^

"You can't expect a flower garden,
If you can't handle the occasional weed." - Fair_Gwenofair

to see a poem written and co-authered by 2 of my most favorite writers!

Rico, your poetry just keeps getting stronger and better and.....well let's just say I'm beaming inside and out for the pride I feel when I read your works.

And in response to your thankyou for another poem you had written, I am the one who is blessed by having YOU in my life, and I don't think I could ever properly thank you enough for that.

I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance - e e cummings

Despite the negative ways
I had to survive
I am alive

What a strong poem Rico, I'm suprised more people didn't reply to it earlier. I read it before but I wasn't ready to reply to it, I wasn't sure what to say. I think those lines up there don't need ME to say anything though... well done, thanks for sharing.

Harv
Stella Splendens
December 22, 1985-March 27, 2003

Your opening lines told my life story.Many things have happened in which I had to make choices.These bridges have forever changed the course of my being.

Bravo,on a story well told!You know your path,just follow your instincts .and your home free.

Whoa! How did I miss this the first time 'round? This was powerful and poignant; and a fascinating combination of the talent of two great writers. Exceptionally well done! Great job, both of you!


--------Sanya--------

Stella Splendens
December 22, 1985-March 27, 2003
Rest In Peace
---
I found your picture today
I swear I'll change my ways
I just called to say I want you to come back home
I just called to say, I love you come back home (Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock)

I echo that “whoa” of sanya’s, I thought I read all your writings,
now I think I have. I (hand in air) swear not to miss another;
well that is unless I’ve gone fishing.

Jack