I was inspired to write this poem, after being told a story by a friend who had once been homeless. He noted that a member of his former church had spotted him sleeping in his car. It was obvious that he had fallen on hard times, since all of his possessions were in the car too. He awoke to find the woman staring, and startled, the woman fled without even so much as a greeting. His hope was that she might go to the church and tell them about him. He waited a few days, but no one came. Tired, hungry and dirty, he fearfully opted to go the church (he hadn't attended since at least a year before he'd become homeless), and ask for help. To his surprise, the woman hadn't said a word. They did help him, and when he told the pastor about it, he delivered a scorching sermon entitled 'Can't You See Me Homeless'. A poetic note...this poem is an acrostic, which means that the first letter of each line spells out a message related to the title of the poem, or the title of the poem itself.
Could you walk by if I were
A cousin, daughter or friend?
Not that HOMELESS matters
To you, my CHRISTIAN kin.
Yes, I called you KIN--
Once I was your neighbor
Useful, vibrant, productive
Salaried, with God's favor
Ever so suddenly tragedy
Evolved within my life
Made me lose my fortune--
Eventually killed my wife.
Hurt us all so badly
One day we found we were
Measured by our possessions
Even though we had none.
This is a write that I am very passionate about, our nation has too many homeless people...it is a sad situation, but people such as the lady that you wrote about as Victor put it...is a disgrace to society. People are so wrapped up in themselves and material things that they have forgotten about human beings, there brothers and sisters who are in need, after all in the eyes of God we are all his children and charity is a great thing to have, as a pure heart. The bible says that only the pure at heart will see God! Great write. I recently wrote a poem and posted it..about homeless, entertaining angels unaware...you've got a good heart!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on November 17, 2006
The woman is a disgrace to society. To see a man reduced to sleep in his car and not ask someone to help him, once she could not do that herself, is pure egoism. Victor
Oh Wendi! This is a fabulous expose of how many "Christians" actually turn the other way! I've witnessed it.. [I think you might enjoy one of my postings called "Bringin' It Home']
Your friend is blessed to have you...and your Acrostic is outstanding!
I trust he is back on his feet again...and housed properly? My daughter and grandsons had a Homeless Ministry when they were still in PA., called "Steps of Faith" They go out under the leadership of Pastor Parsley now, in Columbus OHIO, and help to deliver thousands of pounds of food and clothing, while taking the message that Only Jesus Saves! They put action to their words...
A fine write Wendi with a great spiritual and moral message.
Yes too many in this world measure their life and worth by what they own. It is a sad state of affairs. Wisdom must be exercised with many of these homeless people though. Some are demon possessed and quite violent.
This is very fine work Wendi. Read well even though it had the restriction of the acrostic form. You are to be congratulated for your poetry and heart.
First Edition Translation of Teselas by Carmen Crespo X111 César Simón Poetry Prixe 2016 Translated from Spanish by Robin Ouzman Hislop and Amparo Arrospíde
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An accomplished poetic task delivering a profound message.
In admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Love,
CJ
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Your friend is blessed to have you...and your Acrostic is outstanding!
I trust he is back on his feet again...and housed properly? My daughter and grandsons had a Homeless Ministry when they were still in PA., called "Steps of Faith" They go out under the leadership of Pastor Parsley now, in Columbus OHIO, and help to deliver thousands of pounds of food and clothing, while taking the message that Only Jesus Saves! They put action to their words...
God bless, Rhonda
Fee
Yes too many in this world measure their life and worth by what they own. It is a sad state of affairs. Wisdom must be exercised with many of these homeless people though. Some are demon possessed and quite violent.
Light and Wisdom ...
Richard Lloyd Cederberg
Rusty