But for the grace of God... (poem) by Felix LeRoy Perry on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on March 2, 2009

So vivid and real. Wonderful write Felix,

ann

Reviewed on February 21, 2009

Fee, Thisis so very true to life. I walk those alleys and try to get those unfortunate people to go to a shelter if I can. It is way to cold out there for them to survive. I wish all people could read this and maybe open their hearts too.
hugs
Kathy

Reviewed by Poetess of The Soul Sheila G

Reviewed on February 19, 2009

YOU WROTE THIS with such intensity of pain and knowing!
Such reality O P E N S EYES! I do hope, in this world, WE still have so much to still give, through a helping hand!
This could happen to ANYONE at ANYTIME! it's scary! Worse to think about for our brave soldiers/ Vets/etc.
WRITE ON!
Warmest of Blessings and Inner Peace, Warrior Purple Passion Lady SHEExooo

Reviewed by Michelle Mead

Reviewed on February 14, 2009

Excellent work, Felix. This speaks for the voiceless many.

Reviewed by Sheila Roy

Reviewed on February 14, 2009

Fee,
This jarring write brings us straight to the reality. And my hubby wonders why I get mad at him for wasting food. Disturbing imagery paints the real-life scenes.
Sheila

Reviewed by Elizabeth Russo

Reviewed on February 13, 2009

Such a striking and accurate portrait you paint of this homeless person and their struggle just to survive another day. Your language and intensity serve to give the reader powerful visuals and I also liked your clever use of analogies. A bleak portrait, and an all-too-true look into what a homeless person must face during the course of a day. I think it is criminal that there is even one homeless person in this rich country of ours. No one should be without food and no one should be without shelter. A moving piece, Fee. Hugs, Lizzie

Reviewed by Connie Faust

Reviewed on February 13, 2009

I see that most readers have been gripped by the sadness of the plight of the homeless, and you have thrust it into the forefront of our minds as we read. However, I want to comment on the realism and the powerful graphic pictures of your writing. You could BE the homeless one writing from your chosen neighborhood, the picture you present is so detailed and so authentic-sounding.
Well done! Connie

Reviewed by Denise Edwards

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

the number of those living this life in sadly increasing at an alarming rate. I personally know of one who was once doing well, now homeless, without a job, no money, no home or car, just existing. Depression sets in, and reason seeps away until the spirits in a bottle or a handful of pills, is the only comfort. God bless us all!

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

Perhaps too many have forgotten what a truly fine line life is. Though I sit and count the number of times I have been without and the number of times I fought to climb back up. Life is a struggle, but the one thing we cannot allow ourselves to do is give up, that's when we lose. Have I ever told you the story of when I climbed off the Greyhound bus, destination California with a 6 1/2 year old and $150.00 in my pocket, not knowing a sole?? Well someday......

Be always safe,
Karen

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Bernice Angoh

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

what tragedy! this is heartbreaking in every way

Reviewed by Rose Rideout

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

Felix so sad, it breaks my heart, I have to fight with myself as I know I cannot take them all under my wing. They all have a story to tell, I see it in their eyes as I fight back tears. Thank you for sharing Cuz.

Love ya face Cuz XOXOXO, Rose

Reviewed by Dale Clark

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

It is heart breaking, Fee, when I go
into Denver and see the homeless or
even at my local library in town, I
see them and I feel so badly for them.
So sad!

Reviewed by Carole Mathys

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

You have captured the stark reality of so many...heartbreaking write, Fee

Carole~

Reviewed by Christine Alwin

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

Fee, You have certainly made me step back and really think of how so many measure time 'minute to minute' for survival...breaks my heart!
May God keep them warm in strength, my prayers for each and every one.
Christine

Reviewed by Georg Mateos

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

I know that Nam old soldiers and few from Iraq and Afghanistan can read your poem and see the mirror reflex of their predicament. Sad what you say, but true to many.

Georg

Reviewed by Victoria's Poetry & Voices of Muse

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

Poverty is such a crisis & always a threat leading to homelessness & the very death of a soul left to the wastrels of society grieves my heart
I have personally encountered poverty several times in my lifetime, and I have risen from homelessness too 3 times.
No-one chooses homelessness, but many people call other people "bums" it just isn't true.
Much Love & Inspirations
Vickie

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on February 12, 2009

Heartwrenching poem, Fee; powerfully penned! Very well written!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Sad, heartbreaking...but written so well.

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

astark reminder-thanks

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Fee:

This one is so sad. There are a lot of people in Canada who are in this situation such as this. Whenever I walk by them, I always wonder what their lives were like before; and what brought them to where they are now. You just can't help but wonder...for they were once babies in their loving mothers' arms...

Sandie Angel :o(

Reviewed by Gene Williamson

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Sadly, Fee, you great talent captures the plight of too many perfectly. -gene.

Reviewed by Ch'erie de Perrot

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Under the Boardwalk down by the Beach here, you will find pieces of carpet, rolled up and tucked away. These are the mats they use to sleep on at night during summer...It's really hurtful to sit under there on a hot day enjoying the beach, knowing above you is a bed for a lonely soul, just sitting in a pub somewhere, waiting for nightime when all have gone away...In various places about the city, similar things you will find. You captured this so accurately, Well done Fee. Hugzzz Ch'erie

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Been there 20 some odd years ago, but its one memory I try not to think about...e

Reviewed by Bonnie May

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Heartbreakingly Powerful write...wishing and hoping just doesn't seem to work anymore...GREAT write FEE, love, Bonnie

Reviewed by J'nia Fowler

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Oh how bleak are the lives of too many to count. All precious souls who have fallen far and hard onto icy sidewalks in darkened doorways and forgotten alleys in the minds of the "faves". Thank you for reminding us they many suffer and fall by the wayside of life. Hugs, J'nia ps I use to work with people who lived on the streets in Victoria. It is relatively warm in winter there but the reception they find is often just as chilly as anywhere else.

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

The have nots versus the haves - a powerful, powerful write, Fee. Many fail to realize that it could happen to them in one fell swoop. One job loss; one disaster; one illness and they'll join that half frozen, hungry character you detail in these lines. Well done. Worse, when they've served their country ... shame.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla

Reviewed by 000 000 (Reader)

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

This should not ever be true in America...but seems to be more apparent these days as our economy fails. Your writing tells of the truth and sorrows of the forgotten. Sad part is...many of them served our country in the wars...and are treated as "no-one" now

Reviewed by Rosemarie Skaine

Reviewed on February 11, 2009

Too familiar plight, now. Disturbing write. R