POETRY

POETRY: UNCOVERED ISSUES

BY: KAREEM JONES

Celebrating 8 years clean and sober.

IF YOU LOOKED INTO MY EYES

BY: CARNITA WASHINGTON

Today is the tomorrow, That I dreamed about yesterday. Now I walk with my head held up high, Unafraid of what negative people have to say.

I have overcome many difficult obstacles, I’ve broken down barriers with my resilience. I even decided to invest in myself, So, I chose to tap into my brilliance.

I’ve had experiences in my life that would be shocking to some, I mean how can you know where I’m at, If you ain’t been where I been, Do you dig where I’m coming from?

My life is a continuing journey, No longer a destination or a surprise But the only way you would understand anything about me Is if you looked in to my eyes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As I sit here on a gloomy wet day, I was rereading the Winter magazine for OSA. I wanted to share with you what I hope will one day be published in your magazine. It’s just a few lines that I wrote that I use to inspire myself. It keeps me going on a daily basis. I have also submitted two photos one is at the very end of my active addiction in Two weeks into sobriety that photo I had about two weeks clean, and the other photo is me just celebrating eight years clean and sober. What a big difference right?

GOING WHERE

BY: LALIA WAH

And where are they going

Tonight, In the cold, Without a penny, Without food, Water for thirst?

Where do they wander, Tonight, And the night Before They could remember Anytime They were not cold, Or hungry, Or thirsty, Or unafraid, What would Befall them…

SAD FACE CLOWN

BY: BRYANT CULPEPPER

I used to enjoy acting goofy, made animals from balloons. Did cartwheel after cartwheel, while strumming a looney tune. My nose was rosy red, my face was painted blue. I’ve done all those goofy things, all just to amaze you. But why am I so gray, with smile turned upside down. I’m from the greatest show on earth, but yet the sad faced clown. There were times I walked the tight rope, tamed beast in the center ring. I’ve done all I could possibly do, yup for the five minutes of fame. A clown brings buckets of fun, in hope of meeting a friend. If this clown has to repeat himself, this clown shall do it again. So get your candy and popcorn fast, I mean get them now. Because this is the greatest show on earth, that features the sad face clown.

WHAT IF

BY: KEITH BARBOUR

WHAT IF — The sky was always blue, and every day was sunny too, and the seas were always calm, and there never was a war in Viet-Nam.

WHAT IF — There was no need for greed and power and living like animals, that have to devour.

WHAT IF — Everyone was all one color, and there was no prejudice against each other.

WHAT IF — There were no starving children, and the elderly didn’t have to live in senior citizens buildings.

WHAT IF — There were no cancer, HIV, AIDS, or illegal drugs, no gangsters, criminals, or even thugs.

WHAT IF — You respected me and I respected you, and we loved each other like we’re supposed to do.

WHAT IF all my WHAT IFs came true, this world would be a better place I think so don’t YOU??? I tossed and turned, Burning with desire As my heart burned. Burned with desire to hold you tight My knees are weakened Losing it’s might. I had a dream About you and I Holding each other And nothing could pry. Pry us apart Cuz it would be wrong, Embracing all our time together, Even seconds seem to be long. In my arms is where you belong Feeling so right it couldn’t be wrong. I’d better get back to realluh-tea Knowing that she’s just too good for me, Plus, I got issues that couldn’t be fixed, And love and friendships it shouldn’t be mixed. How could I change that? Just who am I, Besides rejection cuts inside It’s better I don’t try. Letting all these feelings die Just like cadavers, Quietly I step aside. The next man can have her So long Mrs. right and wrong, I’ll take another on the chin And put to rest what could have

Or never have been.

NOMINATE YOUR HERO

FOR THE HOMELESS

Every day, people throughout the city of Philadelphia work to make life a little easier for those in need. Whether at a homeless shelter, government agency, meal-sharing or community-building program, or simply through friendly interactions in public places, there are countless compassionate individuals working to help those who have come upon hard times. So often, these actions can go without appreciation, recognition, or thanks. Each year, One Step Away dedicates our April issue to recognizing our Heroes for the Homeless and honoring those who commit themselves to working to end homelessness and bettering the lives of those currently without homes. We accept nominations for our “Steppy” Awards from our readers and community members as well as from our vendors —many of whom choose to highlight someone who has helped them overcome homelessness in their lives, or who offered them a hand up when they needed it most. Whether through a career dedicated to fighting homelessness, a volunteer commitment, or a generous gesture that can turn someone’s day around, each of us can play a role in making homelessness rarer, and a little easier when it does occur. In the words of one of our vendors: “You have no idea how mean people can be—even a smile can change someone’s day.” Please help us recognize community members who work tirelessly to improve the lives of their homeless neighbors. We are grateful for each of these Heroes and are proud to recognize them with a “Steppy” Award. To all our Heroes out there — both those recognized and those not — we give our heartfelt gratitude to you for all that you contribute to building a compassionate Philadelphia where all are cared for. Thank you for your passion, your perseverance, and your kindness.

Nominate someone as a Hero for the Homeless via: - email us at osa@rhd.org - on social media @OSAphilly - mail: One Step Away, PO Box 63703, Philadelphia, PA 19147.

Include their name, organization, and contact information, as well as why you think they deserve a 2019 Steppy.

LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD

P I C T T B A R D I S C S A C A I E R I E A S C O T L E S T S O L A R F L A R E

C H A R T D E T E R G E A R E N A U R E A P I P N E W S P A P E R M A N D A N L O B D A C E

M U L T I N A T I O N A L

S T A R T I C N I B H Y S T E R E C T O M Y D A L T I D E G E N I E E P I T H E T T I E I N V A C U U M T U B E O C A S I C I N G E K E D F A T E L E T G O R E D S F L E E

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WORD SEARCH

C O R N M I L L W A S T E P M F S I O V E N T W B K D M A A F I W L P D W P I D I A R P S T L T I F E R G U E L M K I E S K U H T U B E B T N C O L R B M V S K C A S E H A R D E N O I E C H E H L U R O A O O C L L A L T U B I N G E S I H O T L I F T B D N I R G H E C M S G E E I I D G T C C O G A P O T C K K E Y E D N E P L M U V A I S A G A F A L E W I S T U A K L L E F T X O O N I S E H F N U L A S A R C H U E R R F U S E M R G P N K D T Y R E