Dear Homeless Man

[Artemis]

It was bleak my heart that day
As I saw you walk away.
Eyes to the ground in resignation
After being ignored, oh the degradation!
Yet I saw your sad eyes so blue
Depression, hunger that desperate hue ~

As if that wasn’t bad enough
And the fact you were living rough.
Just a paper thin sleeping bag,
Your flesh covered only in dirty rags!
My heart missed beats, this day and this age!
The way you shivered so hard brought rage!

The tears were held back somehow,
And with dignity for you my head bowed.
So sorry I could do no more, something real
Than just give you enough for a hot meal.
You are still inside my head dear soul
Wish I could take away the pain and the cold.

Unfortunately this is a true story, the man in question was absolutely shaking so violently. My daughter and I gave him the money for a meal .... it's 2009, this should NOT be happening .... so much bloody money wasted on war (I am NOT in any way belittling all the poor souls who lost their lives in the wars today or in the past I promise) so much greed, people have too much and I include myself in this too ... life is so unfair sometimes ...

[Forest]

Kerry, a very touching poem. You should not feel it is you who is being unfair. It's not you who creates the situations these people find themselves in. You have your own life and family to think about. Nobody should begrudge you that. There's more than enough food and money in the world for everyone to live comfortably. We just haven't learned how to distribute it effectively yet. Some don't want to learn.

It is terrible though, that people have to live this way. I've never come across an obviously homeless person before, not one like you describe here, but I can imagine the frustration of it all. But a hot meal is better than turning ones back.

[Harklight]

Nicely written, Kerry. Minimal detail, while your compassion and rage come through strongly. You'll see Real homeless people everywhere if you're observant. When you are both inclined, it's worthwhile sitting with them to hear their stories. Unlike those who don't truly know hardship, they don't embellish their hardship and they're often grateful when someone "listens". There are too many sad, lonely and truly destitute people for our time and the world's wealth. Good write in a topical subject. H x

[Artemis]

I am observant and I do see them everywhere. I have listened to their stories and I sympathise with most of them. My heart goes out to those who have chosen the streets over a life so bad at home they feel tortured enough to go to the streets. Whether it be from abuse or poverty, I am sympathetic. Thanks for your reply, K x

[NewMan™]

Only a few people in the world have enough money to make a difference, the rest of us have too do what we can. Sometimes it's not money but a kind word, a smile, even a question like "are you okay?" that makes a difference.

Having been homeless myself, I understand both sides of this fence. I know there are people who are homeless due to things beyond their control and all they need is that one break, and there are people who are homeless because they enjoy the lifestyle of begging for money, being drunk all the time and having no bills to pay..

You and your daughter both should be rewarded, you took the time to give. If everyone did that then...

~ Daniel

[kellygreen]

If we ignore the misfortunate then we are no better than the drugs, alcohol and mental illness that plagues so many. We should be outraged and I applaud both you and your daughter for doing what you could. After all that is all we can do.

A blind eye is the most dangerous of all.

kelly

[Artemis]

Thanks so much for the replies, I agree Kelly, a blind eye IS more dangerous .... here's hoping that the homeless can get some sort of comfort this Christmas AND beyond ..... K xxxx