IN YOUR OWN WORDS WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Contact the Lighthouse Writers Workshop for details about virtual Hard Times writing workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients. To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org. SUE VOLLE WHEN I WEAR MY BACKPACK I love my backpack It’s a status symbol When I wear my backpack I belong I feel sorry for those people The ones with leather purses And nice shoes They’re blind They don’t see love. When I wear my backpack They honk at me “Get out of the street!” When I wear my backpack No one sits with me at the church social I like it that way My backpack protects me When I wear my backpack I am accepted by The Rejected Ones I have friends on the street I can talk to anyone SUE BLOSTEN CORONATION Hi there Where are you? Why do you hide Crowned thorn in our sides? Who will host you Oh king of beasts Not to be seen With our eyes? We’ve heard of you And seen your strength. We hide from you. When can we come back To life as we knew it? VAL U ABLE SPRING FORWARD As a youngster, I was taught the mnemonic “Spring forward / Fall back” to assist in recalling which way to move the short arm of the clock when Daylight Savings Time commenced — and concluded — each year: Spring forward an hour in the vernal season. Fall back one hour in the autumn. While the positive connotation of “Spring forward” evokes a certain energy of momentum, the harsh reality is…we thereby lose an hour of precious time! Time is our most valuable commodity. Is it therefore a benefit to “Spring forward” while simultaneously sacrificing 60 elusive minutes? Conclusion: At times, advancement comes at a cost. This Spring, as I sit enclosed in my secluded snow globe, sheltered in place, I can’t help but believe this worldwide pandemic will thrust us ahead in advancements yet to unfold… I hold onto this hope while eagerly awaiting that hour I will reclaim this Fall! PRESENTED BY: June 2020 DENVER VOICE 11
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