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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration

0 posted 2000-04-11 01:26 AM


Entitled To Dream



Wake,
   to only "need,"
Let the "wish" retreat.

Challenge the claims
     of this day,
   for shelter,
        food,
   skies empty-
    of rain.

Forego all "wants."
   For all that remains,
                 is... survival.

Ignore the cold...
Ignore the ache-
               of prosperity,
                     passing by.

Ignore the heat...
Ignore the echo-
                of a stomach,
                       empty as the soul.

Ignore the pain...
Ignore the shame-
                of hands held out,
                        in supplication.

For those who wander
           the ghetto of the damned,
must heed,
       only the "now"
      and dream the future...
               no more.


To avoid any interpretational issues, this poem is about the homeless, the downtrodden, the so-call "dregs" of society. Granted, there may be... are, some who are in their position due to laziness, addiction, what-have-you, BUT, there are also many who try, yet are stuck in a damning circle which refuses to release them from its grip. With no hope of a better life, many of these people are doomed to walkt he streets, cold, alone. All I ask, is that yourecognize this, and perhaps from time to time, take them some food, volunteer at your local shelter... make a difference.

© Copyright 2000 C.G. Ward - All Rights Reserved
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
1 posted 2000-04-11 01:33 AM


Wonderful sentiments, Chris. I agree with you ..there but for the grace of God goes all of us...circumstances can become overwhelming..no job..no way to take a shower, clothes that get old and tattered looking...and that damnable thing called pride...pride that keeps people from asking for help before it's too late. And then pride is lost..a lack of pride in oneself takes over..they feel they don't deserve to find a job, a house, a life...it's very sad... and is often overlooked nowadays..there used to be a national outcry about the plight of the homeless..remember the telethons? the news reports? where are they now?
danni
Senior Member
since 1999-11-20
Posts 688
wisconsin
2 posted 2000-04-11 01:58 AM


this has been the subject of conversation as of late with someone close to me. you are right, too many times people assume it is laziness, ect. but with the way things are run in this country nowadays, it would take nothing at all for any one of us to end up in the same situation. i make it a point to give what i can, whenever the opportunity arrises. this was good, and painful to read, for the truth it holds. well done.
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

3 posted 2000-04-11 02:04 AM


Chris...your so cool and this is so perfect.
you touch on a personal project of mine here...thank you for helping remind us to take a minute to care...
jm

 Well the sun sets gently on your shoulders
And it makes me want to touch you there.
And the light in your eyes makes me feel
Like there's something much better out there
Something kind...
And I know someday I might be looking around
Trying to find some purpose
Well purpose it can't be that hard to find
As long as I've got the wind...
The wind and your love to carry me.
vertical horizon



Nicole
Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835
Florida
4 posted 2000-04-11 03:08 AM


Yes, m'friend...yes!  So well said, every word.  Sometimes, like you pointed out, it is due to laziness or what-have-you...oh but sometimes, it is not; and I have looked into the eyes of a child whos dreams of the future span no further than her next waking step.

Recognize, volunteer, care...help



 May I never be too busy to help another's load,
Then I'll be drinking from the saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed.

--Author Unknown

Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap
5 posted 2000-04-11 04:37 AM




Very well said, m'friend.

--Me

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
6 posted 2000-04-11 10:02 AM


Christopher...sad, but well told
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
7 posted 2000-04-12 04:00 AM


Very well done, Christopher.  Indeed, some of the most heartwrenching things/people I have ever witnessed have been the homeless and, seeing some of my own personal friends fall into this circle you speak of, and the way our society seems to punish them instead of helping them back up.  Excellent poem.  you have touched home with this one.


michael

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

8 posted 2000-04-12 07:15 AM


your words were beautiful. People will be inspired to go beyond words and reach out offering more sustenance, I pray. Great work

 Kathleen


tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
9 posted 2000-04-12 07:25 AM


Christopher what a beautiful, kind and passionate heart you have.
Your poem was excellent and I agree with you entirely.
Thanks for opening my eyes a little wider  
Tracie~


 Keep all the windows of your mind open
Anne Rooks


WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
10 posted 2000-04-12 08:06 AM


Chris another master piece which depicts an awful situation. Thank God I'm not homeless, but I tell you I've been stuck in that ruthless cycle.

You really touched my heart with this Chris.
I'm one who wants to help all and I get so frustrated on not knowing how, I end up doing nothing.  I agree with Sharon about the pride thing too. Chris this is excellent work!

poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
11 posted 2000-04-12 10:45 AM


Wow Chris...sometimes I forget you do have a warm, tender side to you!     This really touched me...you did a wonderful job with it.  We do need to be more aware of what goes on outside our warm homes...and do something to help!  Fabulous piece sir!
SEA
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
12 posted 2000-04-12 03:23 PM


Christopher~ this is a wonderful reminder to those who look the other way.....I myself, find it immpossible to look the other way and not help in some way. Excellent poem.-SEA
ShadowHeart
Junior Member
since 2000-03-25
Posts 49

13 posted 2000-04-12 06:07 PM


Great Job!  I think that helping out is a great idea, in fact I've done it before!

shadow


 Love is our greatest weakness
but when it's found,
it's our greatest strength.

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