Where Did the Sunrise Go?
Rich Bergeron has a multiracial family and a deep sense of social justice, not only about race in America, but also caring for all our people, entering into just wars, and simply doing the right thing. He gave up a good career in the U.S. Navy because of the Vietnam War, yet sympathizes with the people who served in 'Nam. His poetry reflects all this. Originally published in 1984, his poetry often lays his soul bare for all to see. As Louis Alemayehu says in his forward: "Here he is toward the end of a very violent century, publishing a book of poetry in red, white, black, yellow, brown, blue and green; in fierceness and love; in flesh and spirit."
Available on Amazon. |
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Susan Erickson wrote the following review on Amazon:
This is wonderful book full of tender, meaningful thoughts, with a socially conscious voice.
Some of my favorites are "Remembering," about a boy missing his mother and her love of music, and "Sleep in Peace" a tribute to the author's wife and unborn child. Both brought a tear to my eye. "Shock" and "Babies in the Dirt" are stunning poems that speak to the social problems facing the world today.
Very thought provoking. I found this book to be a great read.
This is wonderful book full of tender, meaningful thoughts, with a socially conscious voice.
Some of my favorites are "Remembering," about a boy missing his mother and her love of music, and "Sleep in Peace" a tribute to the author's wife and unborn child. Both brought a tear to my eye. "Shock" and "Babies in the Dirt" are stunning poems that speak to the social problems facing the world today.
Very thought provoking. I found this book to be a great read.
Sample of poetry from Where Did the Sunrise Go?
"BABIES IN THE DIRT"
See the baby sitting in the dirt?
The bloated stomach ever more grotesque
and ribs protruding
daily test the strength of baby skin.
It reaches out its hand
To help you understand
But never will you know a tenth
of hunger’s pain within.
See the baby sitting in the dirt.
You cannot tell the color of its skin
because the haunted
haunting eyes,
too dry to shed a tear,
Will never let you see
Such triviality.
Instead, you’re forced to concentrate
upon the pain and fear.
See the baby sitting in the dirt.
Perhaps you’ll halt and lend an ear
to innocence that calls to you
not knowing who to blame.
And listen carefully
To ageless misery
From cracked and bleeding lips that whisper
“Hunger is my name.”
These children,
even if they’re far away,
are yours.
All children are your future.
And so your fate your actions now decide.
Will you offer them a helping hand?
Or will you run away and hide?
What will you do?
You? …and you? …and you?
Will you save the children
from their hurt?
Or will you turn your back again
upon the babies in the dirt?
_______________
"SNOWFLAKES AND CINDERS"
Why, O disillusioned people, do you dare
Depart from searching for the snowflake rare
To build a life with cinders, mud, and sand,
When those graceful crystals melt no longer on your hand?
_______________
"CHANGING"
I got so angry --
She said she loved me
Just the way I was --
Then she tried to change me.
God! I got so angry.
Now I am so thankful.
She said she loved me
Then helped me change
Become more open
Loving
And responsible --
And still be me!
I get to thinking
How good her nagging was for me
Even though
I didn’t like it then.
So now I’d rather stay,
Change a little more,
Than leave --
And have to do it all again.
See the baby sitting in the dirt?
The bloated stomach ever more grotesque
and ribs protruding
daily test the strength of baby skin.
It reaches out its hand
To help you understand
But never will you know a tenth
of hunger’s pain within.
See the baby sitting in the dirt.
You cannot tell the color of its skin
because the haunted
haunting eyes,
too dry to shed a tear,
Will never let you see
Such triviality.
Instead, you’re forced to concentrate
upon the pain and fear.
See the baby sitting in the dirt.
Perhaps you’ll halt and lend an ear
to innocence that calls to you
not knowing who to blame.
And listen carefully
To ageless misery
From cracked and bleeding lips that whisper
“Hunger is my name.”
These children,
even if they’re far away,
are yours.
All children are your future.
And so your fate your actions now decide.
Will you offer them a helping hand?
Or will you run away and hide?
What will you do?
You? …and you? …and you?
Will you save the children
from their hurt?
Or will you turn your back again
upon the babies in the dirt?
_______________
"SNOWFLAKES AND CINDERS"
Why, O disillusioned people, do you dare
Depart from searching for the snowflake rare
To build a life with cinders, mud, and sand,
When those graceful crystals melt no longer on your hand?
_______________
"CHANGING"
I got so angry --
She said she loved me
Just the way I was --
Then she tried to change me.
God! I got so angry.
Now I am so thankful.
She said she loved me
Then helped me change
Become more open
Loving
And responsible --
And still be me!
I get to thinking
How good her nagging was for me
Even though
I didn’t like it then.
So now I’d rather stay,
Change a little more,
Than leave --
And have to do it all again.