Upper Carmen

Gary Edward Geraci

a refuse pit across the street

this clan with kids constrained by

poverty. we’re sent to school

and church and we’ve each other.

 

to pick fresh fruit, to sell scrap

free falling from dump trucks where we’re

first to forage and find. my

protector, my big brother,

 

trades up for dried fish, meat to eat.

sea to see we run to swim

with cousins, friends - our meek compound.

world riches, lusts to smother

 

our fun and freedom; such sweet

lives a gift from heaven’s High.

 

-Gary Edward Geraci

  • Author: Gary Edward Geraci (Offline Offline)
  • Published: December 15th, 2018 12:32
  • Comment from author about the poem: “Upper Carmen” is written in the form ‘bref double’ and depicts a scene I witnessed during my travels to my wife’s home town and country, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The neighborhood we drove through, Upper Carmen, was located next to the city land fill. The land fill supported several neighboring ‘compounds’, close-knit, extended family units, that depended largely upon the landfill for their very sustenance. In Western standards, the living conditions I saw here could be described as nothing less than horrific - yet you wouldn’t know it by the expression and activity of those living here. Animated by faith and family these people did more than just survive - they thrived - living life, with all its hazards, diseases, and setbacks with smiles, purpose, and prosperity.
  • Category: Love
  • Views: 41
  • Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻
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Comments +

Comments2

  • Laura🌻

    Gary,

    This IS a “beautiful” write! I could relate a few personal situations that I know of...but it’s not necessary for me to do so in order to say THANK YOU for sharing this write! Our lives ARE a gift and we should be thankful!

    ~Laura~

  • orchidee

    Good write Gary.



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