Assorted Poetry

Life is a ride on the subway,
     meeting people from all walks of life.
     Most close their eyes.
     To dream of something better,
     to escape from their reality.
     Until they come to the stop they need.
Their eyes open, as rest turns to hustle and bustle.
     And you hustle and bustle,
     until your time comes
     to close our eyes
     and dream.
But in the end, the subway takes you from one place to the next,
     the middle man of life and death.         


She walks slowly
     attempting to elude the ever judging eyes.
Her face is one of tender youth,
     barely in her teens.
Yet something is different
     in her attempt to escape.
The hooded sweatsheart she wore
     for several months is now pulled off,
     revealing a young girl forced into motherhood.


"How could you?" shouted Judgement.
"Take it easy!" pled Care.
Rebellion stood his ground, "I can handle myself."
Compassion sobbed, "You're only eighteen!"
"I know that! Just let me go." screamed Disrespect.
As Sadness reappeared I knew life was going to change.
"Then go." replied Scrutiny.
"Don't listen to him!" whined Mercy.
Love spoke in a broken voice, "Do what you want Youth. You always have."
"Fine." Betrayal answered, "I'll be fine."
And the door slammed.
But at five years old I wondered what had happened, and if my brother would be fine.