[Critique Group 2] submission for June 24 critique session: 30-line poem

[Alice Massa]

Good evening, Group 2 writer friends,

I took one of my poems of National Poetry Month, revised it 
significantly, and offer it to you below and attached for our critique 
session on June 24.

Until our next gathering,

My good wishes to each of you--Alice

alicejmassa at gmail.com <mailto:alicejmassa at gmail.com>

* * *

*Monumental Wishes for a Homeless Person*

poem by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

Behind the Cathedral of Saint John,

right on the edge of the sidewalk

along the busy VanBuren Street

is a most unusual monument--

a monument of a cemented homeless person

lying on a concrete bench and

covered by a cement newspaper.

I wish that all of the money

that went into the making of this monument

would have gone to a monolithic soup kitchen.

I do wonder what the homeless residents

think of this statue in repose.

I find it abruptly inappropriate.

I do wish all the homeless people in Milwaukee

Could find peace and shelter.

For what do they wish?

Does he wish to be out of the cold,

not on the streets growing too quickly too old?

Does she wish to be away from the dampness, out of the rain?

Does she wonder what else her life could contain?

Does he wish to be drunk or wish to be sober?

Does he sometimes wish his life were over?

Does she too often dream of a well-rounded meal?

Is she here and there too tempestuously tempted to steal?

Do you always wish for a better tomorrow?

Please let us know how we can lessen your sorrow,

how we can make one wish come true.

I heard you once played a saxophone,

then sold the instrument for a cellular phone.

Whom do you call when you are here all alone?

I pray all will be kind to you.

So, you, too, be kind, stay well, and give me your wishes.

* * *

Number of poetic lines: 30

Number of words:258

April 22, 2021: posted for National Poetry Month

Revised on June 17, 2021, for critique session on June 24, 2021, 
Thursday (Group 2)

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