Susanne
Bowen
Building Connection & Community
New Poems
Social responsibility
Are we able to see others
Given demands of our own
To recognize and appreciate
Where others call home?
While many ache for support
We unwittingly carry along
Does what we espouse to be
Resemble what it ought
Or, does self-interest make us unable
To lend a helping hand
To empathize and reach out
Provide as we can
Step back, and take a look
Are you all that you can be?
Do you proclaim to serve
Then ignore someone in need?
There are those who share publicly
Boast and pledge
Then walk away carefully
As if nothing were said
While many give more than their share
And organize to broaden the reach
The demand rises
And the deficit still exists
So, let’s join forces
Address the need
And fill the hands
Collectively we communicate
Together we stand
A day in the life
The alarm rings
A new day dawns
Coffee set last eve
Is my morning balm
After one long sip
I slowly awake
Take a look at the news
The day won’t wait
With a dog at my feet
And a tug on my sleeve
I’m gently signaled
There’s a walk I must take
I slip on my shoes
Then grab a coat
We leave the house
We hit the street
When back at home
And we’ve walked our walk
The music plays
The dial is up
Its Friday I say
And with one more cup
I dress for the day
Pack up my belongings
I’m on my way
Articles written
Reviewed and toned
Caught the attention of others
An author unknown
I like their style
Their approach is new
So, I give them a call
How do you do
We’d like to meet you over tea
Please arrive at our office
At a quarter past three
We meet, exchange pleasantries
Then dig right in
We like your work, when can you begin?
It’s been a good day
New opportunities to pursue
To create and explore
Now it’s time to renew
Collect my thoughts
And acknowledge my gratitude
For all that I’ve got
Defining Democracy
The walls grow taller
The net shrinks
And so does the richness of ideas
Between each other link
What fuels this fury?
This demand to control
What children read
Common to the collective soul
Bitterness and vitriol
Ring across class lines
That deepen with purpose
Though hurtful and unkind
Where does law stand?
When does it enforce?
Democracy for all
Not rewritten, but sound
How strong is the will?
To right the wrong
And return governing to
Uniting interests
for the betterment
of all
