He Never Did Like Rice (poem) by Sandy Knauer on AuthorsDen

He Never Did Like Rice
by Sandy Knauer → (All Poetry by Sandy Knauer)
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I spent my last dollar on fried rice, so when the man asked if I had any spare change, I offered to share my lunch instead. He refused, although I could see he was starving.. and ten years later I still think of him...
It was warm, so I sat outside, to eat my lunch in the sun I met a man who'd lost his way, and didn't know any one He swallowed his pride, avoided my eyes, and in a tiny voice, shared with me his plight My stomach's churnin', feet are burnin', and my heart cries He nodded his head, self-consciously said, he hadn�t eaten in nights I offered to share my meal, and without thinking twice He said thanks, you're awfully nice, but I never did like rice He looked so sad standing there, I offered him a smile Tried to show I truly cared, before he walked another mile I didn't have a penny to spare, but I tried to be nice Said I had enough to share, but he still didn't like rice I see him nearly every day, on corners here and there I still hear him ask, have you a dollar to spare I always say a little prayer, please help him through the night Let him know how much I care, even if he won't eat rice He ages faster than he should, from sleeping on the street Carries along a stick of wood, to aid his crippled feet I'd help the man, if I could, his stomach pays the price no matter how hungry he feels, he simply won�t eat rice Could be rice was all he had when he was in Hanoi Could be hunger isn't so bad, compared to life without joy Or maybe choice matters more when it�s the only thing left in life So he treasures the freedom - to voice his distaste for rice Sandy Knauer, � July, 1998

Reviewed by Andre Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed on May 15, 2005

Impressive symbolism and artful depicting of the reality of society, flashing comparative photos of social injustice,
"He Never Did Like Rice" flows in compliance with Poetry�s brilliance.

"He Never Did Like Rice" has delivered a profound message through
its powerful poetic voice.

Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed by Bill Johnson

Reviewed on January 4, 2005

Very moving poem that allowed the homeless man to be a person, not just a type.

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on January 3, 2004

(((sandy)))

this struck deep--you see, i've been homeless, too THANK GOD, i'm not now :)

i was grateful for anything i was able to eat :)

and you are a dear, offering to share what little you had (bless you)--you are an angel, and i don't even know you

(((HUGS))) and thank you on behalf of those less fortunate...if only more were like you *BRAVA, dear one*

karla. :)

Reviewed by Jeff Mason

Reviewed on December 29, 2003

Sandy, this strikes several chords with me. You've put this in a very profound light. This could be any and every homeless person we see on the street. Please keep writing like this! Happy Holidays! -- Jeff Mason

Reviewed by Matthew Wright (Reader)

Reviewed on October 26, 2002

This strikes a chord. I once did some charitable work providing meals for street people in London. It was a revelation how many people complained about the cooking (not enough meat or salt!) It shook up my preconceptions. You encapsulated it well in these verses :o)