The Ballad of a Glad Man

Born a Hundred Years Free

I'm not a living legend

But my life's been legendary

If you knew the place where I was

incubated

You mighta found it pretty scary;

southern eastern most part of Chicago

in 16 storied prisons we called

the "jets",

back then they wasn't so famous for all the

killings you'd see yet-

decent folks still lived there then

their only crime was being poor,

the middle class or rich

in that city ,

was as far as a foreign shore;

So I escaped the city at 18,

And swore to not return no more

Things weren't too bad for black people then

we'd been free (by then) little o'er a hundred years,

Hell, some white folks would still knock you down

But by then they'd help dry yo tears

I did and didn't like my family

never felt that I belonged;

Kept waiting for a Doc to show up-

And somehow right his wrong,

But I was the really smart one,

at least by what they thought

they sold themselves a bill of goods,

And I was the first who bought

Them piinning their hopes on me

Was ever so dim and tragic

The only thing that I became

was an alcoholic,

a prisoner

and an addict

Even in the midst of that, was able

to see the world-

I even gave my heart

a time or two

to some most unlucky girl

In the midst of all my many storms

I was blessed to have a daughter,

The same year I was blessed with belief

When I came to know the LORD

just as I'd thought I'd oughta...

I found. a bit 'a relief,

And even though; no halo's topped my head

by Grace my fears at eased...

that God is my only Judge

And in my ugly stead

It's the precious BLOOD HE sees

You see,

I've had the company of killers

And dignitaries just a'like

The thing that joins us all

is our

Need of.the Precious Christ...

In my life I've played so many roles:

Sailor

Healer

Master and

Slave

Opposed

Accused

Accuser

User

The Used

Poet

Lover

Scholar

And fool

God has been the only constant...

And I'm So Glad

Epilogue

Recently the daughter I mentioned earlier (whose life i've horribly ignored) told me she loved me, which is more precious then gold; she's really my Best Girl...

I'm the Glad Man cause.sometimes GOD gives us what we don't deserve!!!!

© 2020 Laurinzoscott

Comments

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on April 07, 2020:

Thank you so much Romeo, for your blessings...stay in GOD

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 28, 2020:

Amen to that Brother Romeo...but im learning too not have as many expectations as God ALLOWS me to mature.. Because whatever the outcomes I must praise Him first...I prause GOD to hear young people like yourself. Acknowledging Him

Romeos Quill from Lincolnshire, England on March 28, 2020:

Hey Majestic Tells - I'm just a forgiven sinner in a fallen world doing what little he can with what he's been given. He is indeed worthy of all praise! Thanks for your blessings man and hope from reading your candid poem that things go from strength to strength between you and your daughter. All the best!

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 28, 2020:

Romeo Quill it seems from your response ...you... know God intimately ...Isnt HE so worthy of our praise...hey it's the Least we can do ...be blessed!!!!

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 26, 2020:

Oh wow well thank you for reading and commenting Romeos Quill...yes His Grace IS amazing

Romeos Quill from Lincolnshire, England on March 26, 2020:

A great testimony and all glory to God for sure for His amazing Grace. Thanks for sharing man - God bless us all.

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 24, 2020:

Thank you Lora Hollings such kind words you say...I dont mind letting people step into my ; we're reall all the same...what seperates us is situations and hiw we individually handle them...God bless you

Lora Hollings on March 24, 2020:

You take the reader on a journey of emotional pain and feelings of abandonment and ultimately to feelings of jubilation in finding one’s salvation. A compelling work! Excellent write.

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 24, 2020:

Thank toy Mitara for the comments and your kind words...I hope you have a great day

Mitara N from South Africa on March 24, 2020:

Unleashing the inner most feelings, so detailed and expressive

Excellent piece...

You are very blessed,

Thank you for sharing

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 24, 2020:

Thank you so much for reading and commenting.. ...God bless ypu and thank you

Margaret Pan from Athens on March 24, 2020:

An interesting, touching and well crafted poem!

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 24, 2020:

Thank you Ivana, my lifes been quite the journey but im praiseful to be here both inspite and because of...Appreciate your kind words

Ivana Divac from Serbia on March 24, 2020:

Everything about this is emotional and touching. You are so brave to share this with the world. I'm really glad you managed to find peace and your little piece of Heaven on Earth despite everything you went through.

Thousands of blessings to you and your daughter!

Laurinzoscott (author) from Kanab, Utah on March 24, 2020:

Thank you AJ...gladness from sadness; indeed! Have a wonderful day my friend...oops its raining out...

God Bless

And thank you John when you mentioned GOD'S GRACE. I choked up...cause ive been sporting that coat for a longgg time...its time I show Him I appreciate it...have an awesome day!!!!

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on March 23, 2020:

A really touching poem, Laurinzoscott. Embrace your daughter's love and the Lord's grace.

AJ Long from Pennsylvania on March 23, 2020:

Gladness often comes from sadness Laurinzoscott. Thank God you found him and He gave you the Gift of Daughter.