More cold than the season could possibly express,
Hangs in the air and the hearts of man.
We speak not of atrocities, we’d rather repress
Waged against others by their brother’s hand.
.
Considering ourselves a civilized sort,
Still in prejudice and intolerance we stand.
Giving no venue for them to retort
In what with affection we call the promised land.
.
This promise so cruel–seems held for the few
While the rest us are left to our own devices
The whip of the wealthy cracks to tame the shrews
While living high amongst their golden vices
.
Inequalities based on race, creed and color exist no matter how we wish them to fade,
Persisting throughout the years, not because we are right, but instead because we are afraid.
.
~~ Dominic R. DiFrancesco ~~
Dom DiFrancesco 
Let’s not leave out my group–born in the USA white folks, disabled by some sort of mental health issue, thus living in subsidized housing on food assistance and no more than $796/month SS. We are the “mentals”, the non–persons, ignored in hopes that we’ll simply die and free up another unit. 17 yrs in July, and I pray everyday is my last–but until then, I keep my house clean, I cook actual meals (which I often share with my unlovely neighbors), practice my faith quietly and write poetry. Inequality? Oh yeah. (sorry for the little rant–I’ll try to bring you a nice poem tomorrow)
Please feel free to rant anytime, you have earned it. I just want you to know that I don’t consider people with mental health issues to be non-persons or “mentals” (what a terrible thing to call someone). Mental health issues are not a joke and are as much an illness as epilepsy, cancer, stroke and can be just as deadly. I am thankful that I personally don’t suffer from this illness, but I have had family members that did and sadly they are no longer with us because of it. Please don’t ever give up because regardless of your condition, you have so much to offer the world and if others don’t see it then it is their loss.
Bless your dear heart, Dom–I mean that seriously, as, connecting with your blog was a God-gift when I truly needed something fresh. I’m so sorry for your losses, re family members with mental health issues. I had hoped to have sufficient strength to become an activist–as we so need more of them–but at this point, I do well to get up everyday, be grateful for God’s blessings, and try to write poetry that means something to somebody. Lots of hurting people out there who need to know that they’re not alone, and that they’re Valued. It seems particularly difficult when you look “fine” on the outside, speak intelligently and articulately–the typical response is that you’re malingering, “get a job”. I’m past feeling ashamed, but the frustration is a frequent battle. Thanks so much for your kindness–it’s very encouraging.
Thank you my friend and I really do feel bad for your situation. Sometimes just getting out of bed each day is a difficult accomplishment, but you can only do what you are able to do. Through your writing you are being an advocate for the worth of those with mental health issues. You write beautifully and should be viewed as an inspiration to anyone who reads your work. Keep fighting the good fight. – Dom
I don’t want you to think it’s really a daily battle all the time–it just seems that way when things pile up and my resistance is down; there are unpredictable seasons, and I suspect this last was triggered by my neighbor’s death, an unexpected loss during Christmas week. I’m not inordinately unhappy, but I’m rather easily overwhelmed–not crazy as in dangerous, but mood issues make for difficulties in maintaining relationships. Thus, the blog has been a Godsend–I can relate to, and feel somewhat close to a small group of people–but they don’t have to live with my idiosyncrasies and erratic shifts. So, a good time can generally be had by all…
Oh no, I certainly didn’t think that everyday was a battle. I think that blogging as you say can be a Godsend as there are many people on here that can directly relate to various situations. Its just nice to know that we are not alone in this great big world.
Amen, some days a good poet, or just a nice reader can make all the difference in a day!
It sure can, I love to do both. :)
ORT-ORT-ORT-ORT!!!!!!!! :)
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A SONNET TO SLIDE HOME WITH!!!!!
Thank you Jonathan, please slide home safely. :)
I’ll try not to slide at all! :)
Gosh I hope not, you can get hurt.
Thankfully—haven’t lately
Reblogged this on readful things blog and commented:
check out Dom’s beautiful poetry. Always a pleasure.
Thank you so much for the re-blog Ionia and for your really nice comment, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.
Very well written, and way too accurate. :(
Thank you Jen, I was back on my soapbox for this one, I was due. :)
Hey, if we don’t vent we’ll explode. I have a soapbox poem coming out soon, too —
Good, I love the preachy stuff. :) Lets face it we have so much to preach about.
Amen, bruthah! ;)
Your ‘soap box’ is thought provoking stuff that needs to be said and read.
Well thank you that is very nice to hear and thank you for allowing me to preach now and then. :)