Materially, I've been living a simple life for many years. I work part-time and don't have a home or credit cards. This has protected me from the most painful parts of the Great Recession: job loss, home foreclosure, depleted investments in stocks, 401k, etc. However, as a sensitive soul, my heart aches to see all the pain and suffering endured by average working people and families. I wonder where our country is headed, how to wake people up to what really matters in life - such as love, service, friendship, compassion and sharing. The greed of the super-rich cannot continue unchecked. My feeling is that, in some way, 2012 will be a turning point.
HOW HAS THE GREAT RECESSION AFFECTED YOUR POETRY?
This recession has inspired me to start writing poetry for the first time in over 25 years. I took a poetry workshop four months ago and have felt motivated to keep putting words on paper. My usual genre is nonfiction spiritual-type writing as found on my blog (written with my husband), Soaring with God. In many ways, I am quite surprised, but also very excited, to be writing poetry. I don't put pressure on myself; I simply write what and when I feel inspired.
PLEASE SHARE A POEM(S) ADDRESSING YOUR GREAT RECESSION EXPERIENCE:
Aches
It pains me to live
In a nation of greed
And exploitation
Imprisoned by
Oh so many
Deified masters
Of manipulation
We place no value
On youthful education
Yet extol virtues of college
And fancy vacations
Endless incantations
To the money-god
More and more
Bigger and better
Procuration
All this to benefit
The super-rich
While millions
In our population
Suffer hunger
Lose their homes
Refuse adulation
Lack of moderation
Spirals into pain
My broken heart
Dreams daily
Of peace and justice
True mediation
There seems no end
To these tribulations
I pray for wisdom
And patience and hope
A world of brotherhood
Mutual appreciation
Jan. 23, 2012 Note: Here's another poem. My husband and I went to eat at the Silver Diner (in Virginia Beach) this weekend - only to find it closed for business.
Silver Diner
I'm shocked to see
You've closed your doors
Weren't you here to stay?
With your 1950's decor
Playing the Beatles and Elvis
On the table jukebox
Yummy sliders, milkshakes,
And the world's best
Chocolate cake
Saddened is what I am
By your demise
No more food, fun, laughter
How many others will be forced
your way?
ABOUT THE POET:
Lisa M. Drago works as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and yoga teacher in Norfolk, VA. She serves as Treasurer for Hampton Roads Writers (http://www.hamptonroadswriters.org), a non-profit literary group that promotes the craft of writing and the love of reading/literature. She is enjoying her new journey into the world of poetry.
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