Diane Jimenez Yonkers, New York

A mother of two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren, and one due February of 1997. I love spending time with all of them. When I'm not with them, I enjoy drawing, poetry, planting, painting and sculpturing. I hope to publish my poems one day. Poetry helps me to get a grip on things. Especially, everyday living and stress. I hope everyone who reads these poems will enjoy them but, most of all understand them. Because these are the feelings of many others out there. I want to say hold on and hold your head high. And, thanks to all my family for their understanding and help.

Halloween Halloween is in the air. Screams that could not be heard. Sobs yet not seen. Halloween painted faces, and some real. Masked faces only known by the face seen in the mirror. It's almost Halloween. What shall I go as? A skeleton or the walking dead. The only thing I see is it's cheaper going as I am. This year! For my body is shrunken, my face is graved. The mask of AID's has struck, who needs a costume when it's for free.

Anxious I woke up this morning scared and anxious. I woke up with despair. What ! A dangerous feeling. God! Are you trying to tell me something? If so, may it be clear. I do not know, how or where to relieve my despair. I need strength, for my head is throbbing from bursting tears. If I may sing, let me sing. If I must pray, let me pray. For I need to relieve my despair. Good morning may be, for I have awaken, or I must say. Thanks for even having this anxious despair!

Despair I look around me, and I'm in despair. I glance at each and every corner I feel so alone. My wants and dreams for my children Just one, be not in despair Yet I see another one of my children falling thoughts of my deadly despair, getting nowhere, going nowhere. This same vicious cycle. Oh! Lord I must change this hurt that I have given my children. Lord! Help, help them to break this inheritance to not fall upon their children. Help me! for I'm in despair for happiness and peace for my children. They have tried to make a change, from this grieving and despair, a peace of mind, a will to make my days upon this grieving world better. If I could just make that one difference, I would live much happier and peaceful.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Diane Jimenez. All rights reserved.