PAGE TITLE WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP OSHA BEAR THE LURE OF SILENCE Wisps of Breath Descend on my Being Aware of Loneliness Nothing Certain A VOLUNTEER. CREDIT: DOUG HRDLICKA Today, Haven of Hope operates out of a building that is nearly 6000 square feet and feeds 400 to 500 people daily, with Miss Kay at the helm. The growth has included new services, too. Laundry and showers have always been a part of what Haven of Hope offers, along with food, but now the sanctuary offers vocational classes and assistance with any legal troubles one might be facing. Her work for Haven of Hope is not Miss Kay’s first role in a kitchen, though. Originally from Indianapolis, she cooked in restaurants owned by her relatives. In 1987, she relocated to Denver, following siblings who already lived here. Fourteen years ago, a friend who worked at Haven of Hope and needed assistance with cooking called her. Miss Kay was hired that day and has been there ever since. “Haven of Hope is exactly what it says. It gives people hope. It’s a safe haven; it saves lives,” said Miss Kay. While the kitchen staff changes regularly, some volunteers have been coming for more than five years. Others, like Kevin Davis, are members of the Haven kitchen staff and work under Miss Kay. Davis has been working in the kitchen for three years and is Miss Kay’s right-hand man. He arrives at the same time she does and helps prep the lunch and serve breakfast. “I came down here to eat,” explained Davis. I had a few hours of community service to do at the time and asked Miss Kay if they needed any help. I was in the right place at the right time. [Miss Kay] told me to come back the following Monday at 6:30 a.m. I came; haven’t left yet.” Miss Kay’s dining hall is not simply a place to eat, but a gateway to showers, laundry, and other services that can improve the lives of those who’ve fallen on hard times. “We don’t deny anybody,” said Miss Kay. “We don’t turn anybody down for food. We welcome everyone, with no questions asked.” ■ July 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 Standing in Urban Relishes Forgetting Crackling fires Prayers go up Offered silence Grounding on Barefoot Earth Luxury Soft pillows of Musty Seasons Surrounded by canopies Forest delight Without a care For time or compasses Silence is a Lure Awaiting my patience LISA GIBSON SWEET ROCK-A-BYE Sailing on ship at night. Gentle rocking to soothe a troubled soul. Ebb and flow of tide that time can’t control. Stars winking and blinking, Growing bright in a darkening sky. Knowing I’m safe from all in the sweet rock-a-bye. A warm breeze engulfs me, Caressing tendrils of my hair. I’ve mapped my destination with great care. We’re all sailors in this world, Plotting our course as we go along. Discovering each time we dock whether it’s right or wrong. Gathering things from each port, That guide our journey through time. Setting our sails and casting a line. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org
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