Poetry by Pam

Reaching back Into the limitless deep pulling out the potential To cast into the future Quietly nestles on the ocean’s shoulders Slowly sinking into the vast bodies of water And wrapping around the catch

Large but minimized Valid but illegitimized Open but blocked Started but stopped Available but scared Undaunted but reserved Focused but disturbed Empowered but limited Excused then accepted Organized but overwhelmed Outspoken but hushed Thorough but rushed Quick but weighted Loud but understated Free but occupied

I had no idea my daughter could rhyme she places her ideas on paper like mine this time it caught me by pleasant surprise for the first time I looked into her eyes and I saw the image of myself When she first captured my attention I respectfully gave a mild reaction but she grabbed and twisted until I finally submitted and she inspired me From then on I could only trust from the shoulders of those before us that faithfully given opportunity she would become her own identity and we would incite a war with words

Somehow the light extinguished I was submerged in darkness The security feature was missing I was unsure of my footing It bothered me tremendously I couldn't appreciate air I couldn't breathe I felt lost and confused What once qualified as an instrument now makes no sound as if the darkness took its voice too I tried to replace the bulb Written November 29, 2006

Does anyone care that I’m here? Am I being silenced? When do I receive closure? How can I be enhanced? Is it an inherent lack of interest? No one wishes to communicate? Am I the wrong type of guest? Do I not know how to play the game? Is it a secret club? Did I not pass? Do I give up? What didn't I grasp? How did I get here? Do I even have potential? How does everyone else know the game? What is the right answer?

medicine cabinet full skin looks dull eye so black she can't wink hair in sink give up that wig sunglasses too big think that will hide it can't see inside it think that's all no longer appalled when will she learn to protect herself

When did we get so complacent with our trash especially our cigarette butts How did we end up here with our problems and our disease producing lusts Dirty laundry piled up high overwrought with intricate webs of practiced deceit and omission of guilt pick up after yourself clean up cancer, clean up AIDS "Just say NO!" campaigns ignored interlaced with rash decisions The evidence of effective communication is in a clean room and this room is filthy! Epilogue Courtesy of CNN.COM 10/21/08: Since 2004, a free Web site, www.inspot.org has allowed users to anonymously notify their partners to get tested for STDs such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. It may not be the most personal way of delivering the news, but researchers say it beats not saying anything at all.

I pondered if it was mistook then proposed a second look that's all it took the bait never forsook like fish on a hook

Called to be Empowered not too long ago Took me by suprise prepared to contemplate ignorance I didn't partake of this luxury others couldn't identify me The sun didn't shine as bright anointing came from midnight Things and people change my voice sounded strained Critical becomes necessary morning comes after midnight I finally stopped to smell meticulous selection aged perfection the blazing sun kissed anointing of destiny Then a loud noise now a silent butterfly poised to take flight voices awake after midnight I could be heard with words sanctioned as a gift to the beholder or just a present to myself

The infamous calendar An incomplete blur of haze An infinity of days Lines slashed cut with a fine point One ending one beginning So few and yet so many It marks the importance of life the need to be less busy or the need to be less lazy I don’t know when it began The infamous calendar and blur of haze with finite days written 031908