If you're in trouble, or hurt or need--go to the poor people. They're the only ones that'll help--the only ones. -JOHN STEINBECK
Image (c) 2007, Karla Dorman.
The sun smiles down from a benevolent sky; it's compassionate, today. Its warmth thaws bones frozen solid from a night spent like the others: home(less). Blood moves; feet follow; food doesn't grow on trees, but might be found in the trash. One man's trash another's treasure. Until you've been there, you have no right to judge. Survival. That's what it's all about. S u r v i v a l. Do what you gotta do. Not pretty, but life for many. Could happen to you - no one is immune. Abuse. Drugs. A lost job could add you to the ranks trying to find their way
Those that were never lost, really lost, phisically and spiritually, they will never understand what a homeless feels, and the coin dropped in their hat will have the same sense as a solitary drop of rain in Death Valley's sand.
Georg
you bring beauty hope, and dispair, all in one box, lets dump a little more hope into that box, as we hear from you! thanks Karla! this is great for christmas a beautiful write! Jasmin Horst
Yes, it is true, I have been on both sides of that fence and no one who has walked through that gate knows what it is like to have nothing each day but more weight on the shoulders. Thanks for sharing.
Makes you stop and thing, don't it?
Does me!
Thanks Karla, in these weeks of over indulgence before the holidays, this is what we need.
STOP and THINK!!
R~
Wonderful write, and just in time for Christmas. I wonder how many don't even care that it's Christmas, it means nothing to them except another day of struggle.
Counting blessings, *Glen*
Good work Karla. And you are so right...Best wishes ...Joyce
Reviewed by hazeleyed angel (Reader)
Reviewed on November 27, 2007
This poem is so very true, I, my husband and four month old baby found ourselves in this situation, not due to drugs, but due to the fact we traveled 1000 miles to visit a niece and she smelt beer on hubbys breath and kicked us out in the late evening, in a city we knew nothing about, we were homeless, we spent most of our 600 dollars on a motel room, that didn't last long, then I found a homeless shelter, we did make it back home, after 4 months of being homeless, we survived, our marriage survived, but the relationship between us and neice didn't, we hold no grudges, we just don't acknowledge her, I do have a personal perspective toward homelessness, I hope and pray often that there are more people like you and me out in this great big world that refuses to turn our heads to the homeless. Thank you so much for your reviews on my page.
This quote by John Steinbeck is as right as rain. I've spoken to the homeless ( who are the true survivors) and they sometimes make more sense than the wealthy who would never make it on the street. There's something to be said about "street smarts".
Love,
Susan
A most powerful poem, Karla, and so true: anyone can become homeless at any point in their lives. Just because they think it won't happen to them is dangerous thinking, indeed. Yes. We must do all we can to help those less fortunate, not just at Christmas time, but during the entire year. The image is striking: it looks like a person trying to find their way home, looking for the light of hope. Very well presented in both verse and image; brava!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
Karla, you just get better and better. Funny. I was thinking about this just the other day-- how you really have to walk a mile in the other's shoes for real, to know what their life's like. Good job. --Charlie
For the reasons I describe in this book, the world-wide suffering, death and extinction of humanity is very likely to occur, unless nonviolent and democratically determined radical and revolutionary personal and societal actions and changes are taken
For the reasons I describe in this book, the world-wide suffering, death and extinction of humanity is very likely to occur, unless nonviolent and democratically determined radical and revolutionary personal and societal actions and changes are taken
peace & love
William
Love Tinka
you - no one is immune.
How very true.
Walt
Georg
Fee
God bless you. Kathy
Does me!
Thanks Karla, in these weeks of over indulgence before the holidays, this is what we need.
STOP and THINK!!
R~
Counting blessings, *Glen*
Love,
Susan
Carmen :-)
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
God Bless
Michelle~