25 Comments
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Fotini Masika's avatar

I feel that this poem would deserve a proper page to rest upon, a proper book to claim for home.

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David Donoghue's avatar

Such a nice thing to say 🙏. Maybe someday, though I am grateful that we have this little corner of the universe in which to be heard.

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Fotini Masika's avatar

Yeah, it's good to be here!

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Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

Oh my goodness. We need poems like this.

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David Donoghue's avatar

🙏🙏🙏

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rena's avatar

💔

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David Donoghue's avatar

😓💔

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Brian Funke's avatar

Powerful poem David. Cuts to the truth. It’s so easy to see and forget this is real, these are people….

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David Donoghue's avatar

Thank you, Brian. 🙏

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Tara Connor's avatar

This is masterfully done. Really. And so very much exactly what we need right now. I struggle with Substack sometimes (it's my only social media) because of the endless scroll and the inevitable waste of time. But finding poems like this here is what keeps me coming back.

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David Donoghue's avatar

Happy to have you here, Tara. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. 🙏

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Thomas Rist's avatar

I like the way this reflects on internet habits. I often feel that way about substack too (even though I post poems there).

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David Donoghue's avatar

Yes it is no different on here. I suppose its hard to be mindful when the feed is designed to be consumed so fluidly.

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Lisa Andradez's avatar

This is so powerful, I love it!! Thank you

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David Donoghue's avatar

🙏

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Treasa's avatar

'stiff white cotton cocoons.' I feel nauseous on reading this, as in your poem makes me more aware, makes me feel shame, makes me want to go hug my kids right now.

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David Donoghue's avatar

Yes i know and my heart sank as i wrote it.. tbh. But thats what it is.

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The Sea in Me    (Síodhna)'s avatar

Powerful writing for our times David. The images so arresting, confronting.

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David Donoghue's avatar

🙏🙏🙏

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LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

This is so powerful, David. It builds through the poem. The ending stanzas are brilliant.

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David Donoghue's avatar

Thanks LeeAnn 🙏🙏

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Weston Parker's avatar

Very good David.

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David Donoghue's avatar

🙏🙏

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Danielle ⛈️'s avatar

Whoa, David! Profound. I dare someone to post a sweet little photo of their child holding their first day of school sign. Thank you for sharing! XO

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David Donoghue's avatar

🙏🙏

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