Yes, we should be ashamed. It always amazes me that we spend money supporting needy souls outside our country, but we have folks like this living nearly next door. Well done!
Sheila
So sad, so tragic, and so true! My heart aches for the homeless. It truly is a shame that in our wealthy countries, where some have so much, that others don't even have a place to call home. Well said Lori!
a lot of this in Bmore Lori, a few of them have been found to be frauds, I gave this lady some bucks at the red light, the next day I saw the same lady dressed and clean in the mall shopping, great down to earth verse, cheers
A stark, sad, and very real view of what is so common in our "modern" cities. It is not any different here, Lori. Thank you for sharing this apt and timely commentary. Love and best wishes,
INDEED IT IS...BUT THE GENTLEMAN WITH THE 'GREEN' HAS THE RIGHT IDEA...ONE KIND ACT AT A TIME. WRITTEN WELL AND FILLED WITH EMOTION. THANKS FOR SHARING AND BLESSINGS. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRARTION
..my goodness, felt like I was right along side this cart as I read your words...truly breaks my heart.
Christine
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on August 7, 2009
Cleverly written and I know the words came from your heart. This poem makes me think of a character in New Orleans when I was kicking up my heels, they called her the Duck Girl, because a duck followed her around her appointed rounds, much like the woman here with the shopping cart. The Duck Girl became a celebrity of sorts. Loved this poem, the repetition of the line, "She pushes her cart" cinched the poem from mediocrity to outstanding.
How blessed we are that we do not have to live by "push[ing] the cart"! You have capture this topic in such a tender manner...thank you, Lori. Hopefully more will recognize and care for the homeless.
Blessings and Love - Micke
Repeating the title is effective and the emotion is conveyed well. These types have proliferated in Southern California exponentially. My gosh, there are places now where they inhabit the sidewalks of two whole city blocks.
Blessings ...
I like how you wrote this with an iron hand in a velvet glove-- it makes your imagery even stronger. The kids book I am writing involves an old homeless couple, so this was near and dear to my heart. I wish I could get it published and put your poem as a beginning quote, lol.
Lori this is a heart touching write. I've always noticed how people pass by the homeless and turn away their eyes from looking at them. Well penned and very effective. We never knows what will happen in life and if we too may be homeless someday, it would be wise of us to show mercy.
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on August 5, 2009
This is very well done Lori. Such truth and tragedy in this. Even worse, there's a good chance she may even have been a homeowner a year ago. The gulf between "us" and "the cart-pushers" isn't as wide as people fancy. Tendency decreasing of course. When the Great Depression 2.0 hits (we're in Phase I right now moving into II), this horrible reality will come to haunt many more of us. I expect this to happen soon. I believe the dollar will be toppled as the international reserve currency. When this occurs, massive inflation hits and the populace will be wiped out. But, they will have the flu pandemic/martial law scenario in place for mis-direction and control grid to try and keep a handle on things. Hey, we're all cart-pushers now baby!!!!!!!!!!
Lori this is a gripping lesson to all who are willing to open their eyes when they walk down the streets and see the reality of life. The population of homeless, abandoned and abused are growing in leaps and bounds and it is no longer just from the lower class families. There are many reasons why people become homeless and sadly most people lump them into one category...lazy bums or other similiar derogatory names. I was laughed at for keeping money in a cup on my dash to give to window washers, panhandlers and the like and when one such person said something one day I asked what if that were your child...they dug into their own pocket for change to give as well. Great write
This one hurts, because we are all one disaster, one job loss, from being in her shoes - one of the walking dead on her feet - powerfully imaged and penned, Lori.
And a great abysmal shame it is, especially today. And even sadder to me is that ever growing numbers of them today are our valiant veterans who now return home to no jobs, no homes, and no help.
If one does not pause to wonder, it is amazing to me. These street people often walk along, zombies in what appears to be a Thorazine haze. Not a hustler, not looking for a handout, just on their way from one vague destination to another. Many seem oblivious to those passing by as though we don't exist. ...and they walk. Such a sad, sad situation. You really put me there with your words, Lori. Excellent image painting.
Take care,
Sherry
Exploring the impact of literary icon Flannery O'Connor's noted legacy on the cultural realities of modern-day America, the world, and a certain author.
Yankee Doodle Daddy is a historical Appalachian Family Saga. The story follows a mother's reckoning as she struggles to survive and keep her four daughters alive.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Sheila
Anna
Regis
Christine
Blessings and Love - Micke
Blessings ...
I Was Homeless Went from 20 Year 4 Bd Rm House To 2 Seat Car For 5 Long Months, Now Its Hole In Wall Apartments...
Another Write Right On $$$...
TRASK...
Sobering poetry.
Doug
Ron
And push she will till she drops...there is heart and soul in this writing and the terrible message that it happens and we allow it.
John
the bag lady
pins a plastic rose to her
easter bonnet
-gene
Peace,
Dan
Fee
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
And a great abysmal shame it is, especially today. And even sadder to me is that ever growing numbers of them today are our valiant veterans who now return home to no jobs, no homes, and no help.
Take care,
Sherry