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Open Poetry #49
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JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana

0 posted 2016-12-19 04:34 PM


we see them everywhere in the cities
sitting on benches
sprawled in alleyways
their broken, destroyed lives
desires and dreams washed away
what is left of their spirit
has been
hollowed out until nothing is there
thought process assaulted and corrupted
taken to levels of profound despair
that no one should ever have to sink into
their one remaining sentiment
bitterness
the social order has trod upon
and destroyed their sense of humanity
so they sit and lie
upon benches and alleyways
in despair
without hope
forever damaged

stop!
why don’t’ya

stop and spend some face time with him
bring his story out
listen to him
say Merry Christmas like you mean it
to him
crease his hand
with more money than
you expected to spend on him
eh . . . who knows
maybe you will have said something
to give him a new look at his life
maybe he won’t spend your money
on rotgut whiskey
maybe your visit gave him courage
to try and turn things around
you never know
it could

©December 19, 2016 / Jerry Pat Bolton


~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

[This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (12-19-2016 10:09 PM).]

© Copyright 2016 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
Cari
Member
Posts 411
Englnand
1 posted 2016-12-19 07:02 PM


This poem screams at the reader and makes it very hard not to revert to a political reply but this is not the time or place. So for me this is your best poem and it should be published, yes it’s that good.
Heartfelt stuff mate.

Cari

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2016-12-19 08:47 PM


So many thanks are going out to you, Cari. I am thankful my poem favorably reached out to you. Your words mean so much to me.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
3 posted 2016-12-19 11:30 PM


superb, jerry, we see too much, we talk not enough, a poem to change the world here, words can do a lot
yann



Ari Squire
Member
Posts 488
In The Phallus Lane
4 posted 2016-12-20 01:12 AM


To be in the woods or even the wilderness, one can find many means to survive, myriad ways even. But in the concrete world of apathy and indifference,  a penny's worth of compassion is worth a fortune in smiles. We give, not to pay for the smile we receive, but in the heart of Man, it's the right thing to do. "It is better to give than receive". Everyone's heard that, but few practice it.

Not only is your poetry gold Jerry, your heart is as well. You can't just make this up, it has to come from deep within you and your own life's experience.

My glass is raised to you...Salute!  

Loving Linny Jean is poetry.

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
5 posted 2016-12-20 08:42 AM


Thank you so much, Ari, you words touch me this morning. Eh, it is that time of the year when we think more of giving, I guess than any other time. There are truly some very desperate, needy people on the streets of America these troubled days. Yep. You're right. I've been there. I pulled myself out of it.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
6 posted 2016-12-20 09:17 AM


Appreciate your thoughts, Yann. You bet, words can move and reshape the world, that's a fact.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

HM3
Member
since 1999-07-15
Posts 169
TX
7 posted 2016-12-27 06:54 PM


H. U. G. S. (Humans Utilizing Gifts Successfully)

So hard to know what to do or say when I witness those that for reasons only they know are wandering the streets and camping under a bridge or sleeping on a bench. I want to purposely help but I allow my eyes to turn away with no words spoken. Only a silent prayer.

Work like money doesn't matter, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching...



JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
8 posted 2016-12-27 11:01 PM


That's your business, HM3, you do what you want . . .

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

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