Dennis Cardiff: Poems and Prose

Lost Brave

—

by

D Cardiff
in

 

images

 

a lost brave
leans against a building
(tho he is unwelcome)
beside a busy walk.
everything he owns
fills a pack
upon his back

he is far
from his fishing boat,
an ocean teeming with fish,
from the majestic forest,
from his children,
his clan

his eyes reveal
a story of hurt and pain –
the uncertainty of the city.
a sidewalk for a bed,
charity of strangers
his only grace

a challenge
every day –
a new beginning.
beyond the fire
that tames his demons
the only plan that matters
is to survive

far from home
he can scarce remember.
a lost brave, fighting back tears,
pride in the knowledge
of his ancestry,
his place –
his blood

 

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Comments

24 responses to “Lost Brave”

  1. Rosy Avatar
    Rosy

    Strong stuff. Like the image with the poem.

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Hi Rosy, Thanks for your kind words. This was an emotional event, it hit me hard. I love your blog, both your writing and your paintings. I look forward to visiting often. ~ Dennis

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  2. yakinamac Avatar
    yakinamac

    This is so moving. I’ve been following your blog for a while now and you’ve inspired me to try writing a poem. Done today and will be on my blog tomorrow. It’s not in your league, but I’ve enjoyed the attempt. Thank you for the encouragement you’ve given me to try something new.

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Hi, I’m glad that I have inspired you to write a poem. I look forward to reading it. If it is anything like your other writing it will be a spectacular success. The only advice I can give is to write from your heart and be honest. It’s also good to ‘show not tell’ and leave a little mystery.

      Best wishes with finding a publisher for your book, and let me know when it is available. ~ Dennis

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      1. yakinamac Avatar
        yakinamac

        Excellent advice – and thank you so much for the encouraging words.

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  3. hack4hire Avatar
    hack4hire

    Hello Dennis. Thanks for clocking my blog. I’m still learning to network and not sure if this is the best place to leave a message for you but want to leave one somewhere, so here goes. You are clearly doing worthwhile and interesting work and I hope to stay in touch. You and your followers might be able to advise me – what’s the best place to pick up on a fellow blogger’s conversations? Just go to the latest post and look at comments?

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Yes, that would be the best way. Check not only the latest post but posts before that as well. Everything on this site is public, but many people leave their private email addresses.

      I really enjoy your blog, you are a natural writer. I’ll be back often to read your posts. ~ Dennis

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  4. sandrabranum Avatar
    sandrabranum

    Such beautiful heartfelt words. We are all just “a step away” from this man’s plight.

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Thanks for your kind words, Sandra. It was a heartfelt experience and yes,”We are all just ‘a step away’ from this man’s plight.” I think it is this fear that causes most people to turn away and pretend they never see these people. Or, if they do see them they have already prejudged them, with no concern for the truth. ~ Dennis

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  5. FeatherMoon Avatar
    FeatherMoon

    The pain of knowing and feeling where you’ve been and what you loved is greater than the endurance of a cement mattress. Yet, these mere words are not even the beginning to what he has endured…

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Hi Linda, I saw the pain in his eyes and knew it was more than he could ever express in words. Thanks for “The Creation of Love” it is truly beautiful and full of wisdom. ~ Dennis

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  6. Maxine Dodd - Artist Avatar
    Maxine Dodd – Artist

    Wonderful words and image – the sadness behind them both is tangible – so good to hear that he is turning his life around

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Hi Maxine, yes I am very pleased. He’s taking life one day at a time, as we all should. I’m confident that he will be successful in overcoming his demons and live a long, happy life. ~ Dennis

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  7. btg5885 Avatar
    btg5885

    Dennis, well done. You captured him well in your poem and picture. BTG

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Thanks for your comments. I hope you don’g mind, I’m quoting from your ‘About’ page:

      “I spend a lot of volunteer time helping those in need – the impoverished, hungry and homeless. Yet, the Republican in me, wants to see a return on investment, so I am very big on helping people climb a ladder to self-sufficiency. We need fewer band-aids and more ways to empower people to improve their condition.”

      I agree completely. ~ Dennis

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  8. Indrajit Rathore Avatar
    Indrajit Rathore

    saddens – the plight of the so called aboriginal whether in the americas, australia, indonesia, china, or india – the brave dispossed and very noble ‘savages’ who lost all as their signs foretold – but alas nature does not side with the ‘losers’ – a beautiful gazelle when caught is brutally devoured by the hyeana – nevertheless as a ‘tourist’ on the savannah who cannot interfere i still have the right to feel sad.

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Thanks so much, Indrajit, for your insightful comment. I agree completely, but never could express my thoughts in such an eloquent manner. I love your blog. I enjoyed “New Age Soul”, since that is the theme of a book I am now reading. I will be back often to read your engaging posts. ~ Dennis

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      1. Indrajit Rathore Avatar
        Indrajit Rathore

        thanks Dennis – appreciation always encourages

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  9. Mark Lanesbury Avatar
    Mark Lanesbury

    Well written….and even the picture tells a thousand words!

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      Hi Mark, thanks for your kind words. I thoroughly enjoyed your post “Choosing a Spiritual Path!” I will be back often. ~ Dennis

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      1. Mark Lanesbury Avatar
        Mark Lanesbury

        My pleasure, and thank you for yours! Your writing touches a truth….and you express it well. May it always be your guide!

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  10. Blog Woman!!! Avatar
    Blog Woman!!!

    Thank you for seeing him…

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    1. dcardiff Avatar
      dcardiff

      He has become a good friend. He is now part of an alcohol recovery program and, last time I talked to him, he was looking for work. He is a new man. ~ Dennis

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      1. Blog Woman!!! Avatar
        Blog Woman!!!

        I am so happy to hear this Dennis. Thanks for letting us know. I had two uncles who were lost braves. One came home eventually, but the other couldn’t find his way. They are both gone now but I like to believe they are ‘home’ with all our family.

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