Street Roots • Dec. 22-28, 2017
Poetry
Page 10
One Memory
by Shannon
Thankful
If I could keep only one memory, I would keep the
memory of the day I left Buffalo, N.Y. to go to South
Dakota. Against the advice of nearly everyone I know,
at approximately 6:45 a.m.
I was boarding a Greyhound bus headed west, leaving
once and for all a place I had grown to despise. I
knew even then that I was making one of the best
decisions of my whole, entire existence.
What I remember most is the relief I felt as that bus
pulled onto the highway and I watched the skyline
recede from my view knowing I would never have to
look at that place again.
by Aileen McPherson
In the past is where thanksgiving shall
Stay, it will not be allowed to color the
Now, I have learned to discern, blessings
True friends who are more family, than
Blood feasts long gone to graves silent
Where they belong, no tormenting
Tearful refrains as unwelcome specters
Dissipating, steam rising from nourishing
Foods on loving table prepared around, caring
Comfortable beings who saw the light within
A mind full of fear, unforgiving self, in
Kindness words over meals shared giving
Thanks to all those accepting others as equals.
Finally I got to be one of the few people I’ve ever met
who have actually made an escape from the
madhouse that is Buffalo, and I knew I had the
determination I needed to get out and stay out for the
rest of my life.
If I’ve ever had any praise-the-lord moment in my life,
that was likely the most outstanding.
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Dignity
Poverty