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Open Poetry #44
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Dancing in the Rain
| Open Poetry #44 |
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Dancing in the Rain |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA 
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The skinny little girl, dancing in the rain, splashing in the puddles on the cold, gray sidewalk . . . Barefoot in winter— she has the good sense, not to wet her only pair of shoes . . . |
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| © Copyright 2009 arthur chapman, jr - All Rights Reserved | |||
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
The event was very real, but the shoes imagined. She is often at the 7-Eleven begging for change. art |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, Now you owe that kid a pair of shoes for using her as a subject for your poem. Pay-up. Bobby |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Good point, Bobby; I do give to her and others in the hood. Poverty is complex. Thanks, art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
There's a guy nicknamed Bobble Head, who comes by every Wednesday, for a bag of eats, and a few bucks for pocket change. He suffers dementia, but for all I know, he could be using the dough for crack. So many do. art |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, There’s really nothing that complex at all about poverty. If you find yourself going through garbage cans to find something to eat, then you know you’re in poverty. Bobby |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Real life very softly rendered, deeply touching and compassionate, dear Art. A coincidence: my son has discarded a few pairs of his "beloved" gym shoes this afternoon. We thought they were in too bad a shape to give them. I put them into the waste box down in the street and moved to the box for glass and disposed of the empty bottles. While doing so, a young man approached and to my surprise he just saw the transparent bag with the shoes and was "analyzing" the possibility to take them ... and actually took them. I asked him discreetly if he wanted a few fleece jackets and t-shirts from my son. (my son is discarding finally things he did not wear anymore, because too large or too small). The young man said yes and waited til I came back with the things, inclusive an old, but still good Henry Lloyd jacket. I notice there are more and more people who search for things in the waste boxes ... even for food! It makes me blush to think of this. There are too many people in need! Thank you for your great sensitivity, dear Poet. Love, Margherita |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
I'm referring to the societal problem of mentally ill people who really need help, and people who are just lazy and looking for a handout, but are often getting away being misclassified as mentally ill. I have known many of them. They're pros at working the system. One example---being legally prescribed psychotic medications, and selling them on the street to people who really are, thus exacerbating the problem. art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Thanks Margherita. It's kind of disappointing when you give to the poor, but know that you're not solving "the" problem, just doing something to be caring and socially responsible. Your comment really puts it in focus. art |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
enjoyed  |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, How do "YOU" tell the difference. Bobby |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Can't be 100% certain Bobby, but we use experience, and street smarts to make those subtle distinctions. Thanks, art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
To make a long story short, Bobby, I'd rather unknowingly give a buck to a person who doesn't need it, than to prejudge someone who does need it, and deny them. Anyway, we're a work in progress, in need of much improvement! art |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, I'm sure you do a good job of taking care of the folks in your hood. Here in my hood, I can't refuse anyone. Folks here in the hood have done way too much for me in the past. I'd likely be dead without them. I'm sure you feel the same way. Bobby |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
You're right on, Bobby! I know some wonderful people here, and we look out for each other. art |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Art, this entire thread is fascinating. I'm like you in that I do not judge whether someone is needy or simply playing a con game. I help out where and when I can, and in good faith. I believe in the 'haves' helping the 'have nots'. With the economic down-turn, the number of 'have nots' is increasing, while the number of 'haves' is decreasing.  Linda |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Thanks Linda, you've nailed it! You've prescribed a simple and practical way to be charitable. Always appreciate your thoughtfulness, and those (big) little pick-me-ups you bring! art [This message has been edited by gilead (02-11-2009 10:26 PM).] |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Linda is right on the button Art, I totally agree. Lindsay |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
gilead - this is a very telling write. Much to dwell on after I read it. BC |
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Marc-Andre Senior Member
since 2008-12-07
Posts 501 |
Art, these two stanzas are both touching and chilling. And they made this reader ponder them for quite some time. Mark |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
Smart Girl?? Very nicely done. I can feel the cold The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Thanks Bill for reading and taking the valuable time to comment. It is much appreciated. art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Ah, I really like your thought of her being a smart girl, and in real life she is, just poor, that's all, and no fault of her own. Thanks for the kind contribution. art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Thank you Mar-Andre, your emotional response affirms my feelings as well, as in my watching her as I drove past in the January rain, and when I got home and watched in warmth from behind my window. It was a happy/sad scene, and I have no doubt you know what I mean by it. art |
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