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Eloise
Senior Member

since 1999-11-27

Posts 1096
Wyoming

0 posted 2000-01-08 11:37 PM

A man in his fifties, his face weathered and worn.
Wearing layers of clothing all tattered and torn.
To get his next meal, to the soup kitchen he goes.
Then off for the night to a place that he knows.

On the streets of some cities walk the hungry and weak.
To get out of the cold, some shelter they seek.
But the beds are all full in all of these places.
So a night in the cold alley is what he now faces.

In a dark corner he huddles and sleeps all alone.
Wrapped in a thin blanket on a cold slab of stone.
I watched as he lay so silent and still.
Now and then he would quiver from the cold night chill.

Then a sobering thought came into my mind,
About the family and loved ones that he left behind.
I couldn't help but wonder how many people, young and old,
Are asleep all alone in this shivering cold.

Paul Hoekman
Member

since 1999-12-28

Posts 382
Harwinton Ct. U>S>A>

1 posted 2000-01-09 12:01 PM

Wonderful!
and so true
on so many levels.
EARTHMAN
(Paul Hoekman)ie.
Christmas in a box

CrazyChick
Member

since 2000-01-05

Posts 132

2 posted 2000-01-09 12:27 PM

Your poem is beautiful...beautiful but sad!!!

Eloise
Senior Member

since 1999-11-27

Posts 1096
Wyoming

3 posted 2000-01-09 12:58 PM

Thanks Paul and CC. I find it very sad the plight of the homeless. Most are not out there by choice. And it makes you appreciate all the more what you have.

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

4 posted 2000-01-09 09:32 AM

Thanks for seeing something most people turn their backs on...well voiced!!

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

5 posted 2000-01-09 09:47 AM

Eloise -

Like you, I worry about the number of homeless who lay cold on the streets.
I try to do my part ... a warm blanket,
a gift certificate for a meal ...
and then as I sit warm in my home ...
their memories haunt me.

Right you are ....
MOST ARE NOT THERE BY CHOICE.
Can I do more ... I don't know,
but I'm sure gonna try.
Thank you, Eloise.
~Marge~

Eloise
Senior Member

since 1999-11-27

Posts 1096
Wyoming

6 posted 2000-01-09 12:21 PM

Thank you Ruth. You're right people do tend to look the other way. But it's out there and it really can't be ignored.

Marge, glad to see you back. This does not surprise me as to what you do on your part. You have such a kind heart. Thank you.

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

7 posted 2000-01-09 07:23 PM

This poem has touched me deeply. We should never look down upon any man, unless we are looking down to lend a hand up. There but for the grace of God go I, or anyone of us. Excellent poem, Eloise!

Denise

HelmutB
Senior Member

since 2000-01-06

Posts 964
Canada

8 posted 2000-01-09 07:45 PM

I can only agree with all of the above
Very nice written, excellent so I think

The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools.

Eloise
Senior Member

since 1999-11-27

Posts 1096
Wyoming

9 posted 2000-01-09 11:37 PM

Thanks Denise and HelmutB for reading and caring and for once again wise words Denise.

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