Author Archives: BethBarrett

Levels of Danger

Posted on December 31, 2020 by BethBarrett

Driving with you through a national park, I saw a sign. With colors faded and dial missing, It proclaimed, “Today’s Fire Danger.” Did you see it too? Its faded rainbow pie pieces Were still there ready to be served to … Continue reading →

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Call and Response

Posted on September 11, 2020 by BethBarrett

….. CALL: …..He is abusing me.  Please will you help? RESPONSE: …..Be quiet, my sister.  Take this not to heart.   CALL: …..His beating has opened deep wounds. RESPONSE: …..You portray only pain.  You must learn to rejoice.   CALL: … Continue reading →

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Opposing Magnets 2

Posted on August 23, 2020 by BethBarrett

One magnet rests in my right hand The other sits in my left hand. My hands apart, both seem at peace. My hands draw near, gripping each piece. Peace broken, now they fight my pull, For each one presents the … Continue reading →

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My Lantern’s Shield

Posted on June 8, 2020 by BethBarrett

I stand in a valley Windy violence buffets Me in deepest darkness. In this pass I struggle, Uncertainty roots my Feet in stormy locus. In my hand I hold tight Bitterness, a lantern Sheltering fragile flame. Hope’s the flame I … Continue reading →

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The Forty Lashes of Blame

Posted on April 3, 2020 by BethBarrett

Words of blame, of shame Fall across my shoulders Like the lashes of a whip As I cry out in pain. Those who pronounce My sentence declare Abuse is the only way To teach me to do right. Those who … Continue reading →

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Who Hated Whom?

Posted on November 28, 2019 by BethBarrett

We need new words. He came into my room In the darkness, In the night. … (Due to html formatting constraints, I have posted “Who Hated Whom?” in PDF format here.) 

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Second Grade

Posted on September 17, 2019 by BethBarrett

Kick, kick, kick He sat behind me I sat before him Kick, kick, kick School days are counted By ticks of the clock But not for me Tick kick tock kick Around the clock Kick, kick, kick Rules, rules, rules … Continue reading →

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Opposing Magnets

Posted on July 7, 2019 by BethBarrett

Be a big girl. Be a tough girl.  Laughter. Enjoyment. “Look at that new guy. He thinks he’s so cool. Don’t worry.  We’ll get him.” I looked where they looked. I saw the new guy. I saw, but I see … Continue reading →

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Silence is Golden

Posted on May 20, 2019 by BethBarrett

…………………….I My momma said silence is golden And it is The golden color in volcanos A burning fire trapped in bones Growing hotter Under pressure My daddy said silence is safety And it is Safety bought by a sacrifice In … Continue reading →

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Songs of Sorrow

Posted on March 15, 2019 by BethBarrett

I stand weeping alone ’Midst their rejoicing songs. Shouts of praise surround me, Calling “Come and worship.” But my heart will not lie, Will not give empty words. How can I sing of joy From a heart of sorrow? Oh! … Continue reading →

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