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. GREGORY MILLER GOD IS Read them all, and all the arguments lead us back to what we already believed. A very few seekers work through all the discussions, arguments, proofs, experiments and experiences, doing all this over decades, becoming distracted by the demands of real life. But then these serious searchers return to the quest again and again. Those few thinkers courageously refused bullying in favor of their hearts and minds. Remember the three key issues: Creation; Life; and Free Will. MAGGIE HADDEN DUST TO DUST May the bridges I burn one day light my way home, But no one welcomes you after the mess that was made, After the house of lies you built fell to pieces, The life you had pretended to live crumbled into dust, I was a dream seller, spinning lies at will, Weaving untruths for survival, Taking from the hand that fed, Stealing from your soul, The ties that bind us together Became the ropes I used to hang myself with, No one could save me, Not even myself, So how would you welcome me home? After I looted and destroyed, Pillaged and then I ran, As I bring back the ashes from the bridges I had burned, I carry the rubble now, on my back, I breathe new life into this mess I left, Dust to dust, I’m coming home. BENJAMIN ERIC NELSON WHEN ONE MUST GIVE Heart of stone Precursor to ill will Left alone Savagery of mind until The crib is broken The tree breaks Words unspoken We retaliate Careless we fall Prepared to stand Sick of it all No way to understand Love... it just is When one must give PRESENTED BY: July 2020 DENVER VOICE 13
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