pixabay image from Natan Vance
you left me behind
by D. Wallace Peach
you left me behind
because I was born in the barrio
in a shack by flooded rivers
in the dusty winds of drought
didn’t speak your tongue
or worship your god
the one who bade you
love the children
I am the meek
you left behind
because I toiled in cane fields
watched the dawn ripple through fish nets
over dying turquoise waters
tended my father’s reindeer
on the tundra’s barren crust
I bear no papers to witness my learning
my worth in coins or accounts
my worth in belonging
as a human being
I am too young, too crooked, too old
too homeless, too hungry
the wrong color emblazoned across my face
the wrong size, gender, ethnicity
the wrong way to love
to be
you needed a stranger to blame
and I am left behind
one who might have cured the ill
housed the poor
fed the hungry
ended your wars
lit a planet
and saved
you
left me behind
Myths of the Mirror 
Beautiful blog. Touching poem!
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Thank you, Murielle! I do my best to keep things fun and interesting over here. I appreciate the visit. Happy Writing.
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Oh, Diana This is so moving and soul-pricking.
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Thank you, Cynthia. It wasn’t really speculative fiction, but it’s where the muse ventured. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤
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Oh, Diana, How can you write just….what I feel?! (You could start “Rent a poet” scheme). That is beautiful and made me cry. And I love all the art work,.photos and fab book covers! Hugs xx
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Thank you so much, Joy. I think many of us despair over the countless lives left behind, the lost potential, the possibilities that will never come to fruition, individually as well as for the benefit of all. Keep spreading kindness and love – it makes a difference. ❤
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Wow. This is amazing!
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Thank you. I wish that no one, especially children, were left behind. So much lost potential for which we all suffer. Have a lovely week with the kindergartens. ❤
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This is the first of your poems I’ve read and if this is an example of what I have to look forward to, I’m happy I followed. Forgive me if I sometimes am lost for words. My muse is my voice. 🌼
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Thank you, Jen. I still don’t consider myself a poet, but my shyness is wearing off with each attempt. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. It’s a subject that pains me, and it feels good to share my voice. Have a great weekend!
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Yes poetry can be very revealing sometimes and clicking the publish button often gives one a sense of freedom as well as fear LOL I’ve found that people generally react extremely well, knowing that their feelings are universal and that’s gratifying. However I’m loving “Flash Fiction” I think its called. I’m having lots of fun with that. Thanks for responding and enjoy your weekend! 😊🌼
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WP has an awesome community of writers and poets. It’s a great place to practice and share. I feel so lucky to be part of it. ❤
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Yes! I’m very happy with the community I’ve become aware of. I chanced on your site helping Helene recoup her links. The links she had disappeared. I searched for Diana Peach in the reader. Love Helene! 😊💜
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Your words prove that there is even beauty in abandonment. Hope you are well, Diana. Been a while. You fell off my reader for some reason…unfollowed/refollowed to try and reset.
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Thanks so much for the visit, comment and refollow. WP does that to me too. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. 🙂
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So sad and moving, Diana. The images you evoke are very powerful. I’m just not sure if it’s speculative fiction – seems so real whereever one looks sadly. 😯
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Ha! You’re right, it’s not really speculative fiction (unless the Earth is being abandoned). But it’s what the muse delivered, and I went with it. I’m glad you found it moving, Sarah. Keep spreading the love 🙂
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So poignant and brilliant write up…
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read, and I apologize for the late reply (I have one more week of moving my parents before heading home). I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem. A new prompt is coming in May. 🙂
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Its fine.. Personal commitment is more important.. Happy day..
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What a beautiful and powerful poem, Diana. You moved me to tears. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti. Not that I wanted tears, but I’m glad you were moved by the poem. My heart breaks at all the lost potential, the cruelty, and neglect when anyone is left behind. ❤ Have a beautiful day. ❤
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I feel the same. ❤
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Very powerful poem, Diana! So poignant, and so timely these days. Sadly timely. Have a great rest of your week!
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Thanks, Julie. I’m still traveling, but have a few minutes to catch up and visit. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem despite a sad commentary on our times. Hope you’re doing well and getting a chance to relax before diving into the next deadline! 🙂
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