I am not prone to feelings of guilt and sadness, yet I felt this when I wrote this poem.
Suburban Detritus
My life is cluttered with suburban detritus
I have ten jerseys, twelve pairs of shoes and fifteen shirts
It is a challenge to give a poor person the shirt off my back as Jesus commanded me
Well it’s easy I guess
But I have to do it fifteen times over
And then I have two computers
And two bikes – one for the road and one for off road
And a 50 inch TV
And two cars
And … and … and … and….
I am surrounded with my own personal collection of suburban detritus
I’ve also got six billion neighbours and almost all of them are in need of my excess
Some of them are dying of starvation
What am I doing with all this stuff?
Where are my priorities?
What is God going to say to me on judgement day?
Am I loving my neighbour as I love myself?
Hardly
You can’t feel sorry for a rich person, because there is a simple cure:
Wisdom in this write, I need to downsize soon and don't know who would want my leftovers though. Not rich or have anything of value. So many needy in our communities, but we do help them through food banks at local churches etc. Give onto the poor if you will, and don't lay up treasure for yourself to rust or something says like this. Good thinking on your part in this write. So generous.
I have looked at my stuff that way,Oliver, and understand the awesome sense of responsibilty you share through "Suburban Detritus"!
We must be good stewards of all Christ blesses us with, and be willing to give to those in need. Very potent message -and I especially enjoyed the direct, honest style you wrote in.
Wow. -Zach
I like this, "Suburban Detritus". I find myself asking these same questions lately.
Good luck and God bless.
Ann
Reviewed by Rafika Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on January 5, 2008
It is your guilt that burdens you, not your possessions. Wonderful self-expression. Best wishes for the new year.
Rafika
Reviewed by JP Fugler (Reader)
Reviewed on October 29, 2007
This is an interesting approach to the subject matter. I love the formatting of the "And" passage. If you could find more effective and meangingful formatting for the rest of the poem, I believe it would be more appealing and stronger.
The ending is simple and powerful. There is no better way to end a poem.
Great job! I would say keep making revisions, though.
Bro. Hillie: The fact that your bio shows you are passionate about psychology only makes more sense after reading your work about "detritus", a word I never considered in the past. I was just listening to a faith based television program about why so many sought out Jesus while He walked upon the earth. They did not want spiritual things, but physical things. And all along the way we see and hear of people who follow after that same sad routine as they beg for things that will do them no earthly good. The most wealthy people are not necessarily those with huge bank accounts, but those who have infinitely deep hearts. Combined with financial blessings, God expects us all to give those material things He blesses us with to those whose hearts truly are appreciative of those gifts. At the same time, (don't mean to be "preachy"...but those who feel they don't have much need to remember the story of David and Goliath in old testament of the Bible. David didn't use anything that others thought would make him strong...he used not armour and a sword created by humans but stones and faith created by God to slay a giant and bless a nation. We all have our giants...and when we are blessed with great financial gain, we should use those finances to bless and slay the giants of hunger, disease, poverty and other giants in this society. For God put us here not to wait on Him, but to assist and serve each other.
Many blessings to you, Fleur and your three young ones.
cynth'ya lewis reed
A simple solution indeed...I liked this poem and would merely add: it isn't apropos only to the Christian, but to all people.
Good work!
Gina
Reviewed by Phyllis Du'Gas (Reader)
Reviewed on August 7, 2007
Whoa - I liked this. So many of us feel like this at one time or another. This was a great write. Thanks
Phyllis
Reviewed by Tristen Voleur (Reader)
Reviewed on April 30, 2007
Thank you for the Welcome. Your poem is a powerful statement of modern life and a wise solution for the hoarders.
Reviewed by LadyJtalks LadyJzTalkZone (Reader)
Reviewed on April 29, 2007
Twice a year in spring and fall, what ever I have not used that season is given away one way or another. I have two computers yet I allow someone else to use the other one. It's my back up just incase the unthinkable happens. Good thought yeilding write. Lady J
A great thought provoking write Oliver~ makes one re-evaluate their priorities and give worth to the little things that are needed vs. the extravagance unnecessary. The "eye of the needle" comes to mind...
Enjoyed!
Nice to meet you!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Either give it away or set up a lemonade stand so you can discuss the philosophical ramifications of free enterprise and materialism with the neighbors.
Seriously, I can totally relate. If anything, and I mean anything, remains untouched in our home for six months its off to a charity or someone expressing interest.
VEry WEll Said
Glad you got that off your chest!
As long as our heart is true
He will know!
And...When we can?
We will! :)
WArmly, Warrior Lady Sheeeoox
When you have time, Come to my corner of the den!
Find why you gravitated or stayed!
WArmest Blessings!
This poem certainly gives one plenty to think about. I suppose, we all feel guilty if we have too much, knowing that so many people in this world have too little or even nothing. Thank you for pointing this out. All the best, Verica
From First Love to its destructive end and on to new beginnings, Mary Angela Nangini's poems explore the birth and death of a relationship. The powerful poems are presented in two parts with an introduction to her next book My Ontario Beautiful. (Th
Than ks for posting =)
Selene
Peace, love, light,
Amber "V"
We must be good stewards of all Christ blesses us with, and be willing to give to those in need. Very potent message -and I especially enjoyed the direct, honest style you wrote in.
Wow. -Zach
Good luck and God bless.
Ann
Rafika
The ending is simple and powerful. There is no better way to end a poem.
Great job! I would say keep making revisions, though.
Many blessings to you, Fleur and your three young ones.
cynth'ya lewis reed
Good work!
Gina
Phyllis
Enjoyed!
Nice to meet you!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Seriously, I can totally relate. If anything, and I mean anything, remains untouched in our home for six months its off to a charity or someone expressing interest.
Twelve pairs of shoes? WOW! Great Title!
Light and Wisdom ...
Glad you got that off your chest!
As long as our heart is true
He will know!
And...When we can?
We will! :)
WArmly, Warrior Lady Sheeeoox
When you have time, Come to my corner of the den!
Find why you gravitated or stayed!
WArmest Blessings!