National Adult Literacy Database

March 17, 2003

The following is a winning poem written by Raymond Gentry, from Cowansville, Quebec. Ray "Stretch" Gentry has been a student with the Yamaska Literacy Council in Cowansville for about two years. He continues to work and make progress. Stretch has learning disabilities, but never lets these get in the way of his progress. This is one example of the very touching pieces of writing that Ray has produced. The Yamaska Literacy Council is proud to have Ray as a member of the council!

The pain of not knowing how to read

by Raymond Gentry

Time goes on, and our pain
always stays.
We try to forget
the ones who would play those hurtful games.

The silent tears still fall from our eyes…
As the sad thought of memory seem to blow our minds.

Tender hearts may fall apart as we
pray to God for a fresh start.

We try to hold a brave face as we
walk through life…
As soon as we
are alone time is not on our side.

We know that life is unfair,
But as people we still treat everybody the
same with respect and care.

The time has come and we must say;
To who want their lingering
thought to just go away!

It's better to be happy and at peace…
Let our heart and spirits
have the chance to be free.

We must hold on to what is
important to us…
And never let anybody take that special
memory or feeling:
'cause the meaning has no end!

As time goes on we have ways of
coping with everything,
Everything that life throws at us;

But when we have good friends
around us, it makes you feel so
much better knowing, that some
one does care and has the wellness
to help us along the way!

[This poem was taken with permission, from Roadways, November 2002, a newsletter published by the Yamaska Literacy Council.]