Open Poetry #41 |
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Felix Must Be Ignored |
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Bobby Jordan Member
since 2007-08-13
Posts 491Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Felix is on Main Street. Everyone is out today. They are rushing by, it seems, in globs. Felix sees many young faces. Faces just like his, but cleaner. He thinks they could be friends. He smiles at them. They don’t smile back, because Felix’s hairs’ not combed, that just won’t do. Felix doesn’t smell too good, don’t get too close. Parents walking bye, distract their children. They try to set their minds on something else. Children mustn’t know of Felix, he doesn’t exist for them. He’s alien, from another world. The children must be protected. They mustn’t know. Felix must be ignored. Bobby |
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© Copyright 2008 Robert E. Jordan - All Rights Reserved | |||
Roniece Dawson-Bruce Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689Sydney, Australia |
oh no Bobby... I would never ignore Felix... he just needs some nurturing care and love... enjoyed this always love RDB Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight......... |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
What a cruel world. If I were there, I were sure one of this kind of parents. If today, i probably do the same. Why? talking about discrimination, this is one of them... Judging by looking. 3 yeas ago in Nashville, in a McD, I saw a woman in a kind of dirty cloth and a girl of about 10 yrs old was with her. They came in and sat at one of the table, empty eyed. I had no cash then in my purse. They did not eat and left after a policeman came in. I probably will never forget them. How I wished that I bought a simple meal for them! I know that you are writing a true story so I know it will reveal the naked picture of human soul. shamed!! |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
During my life, I had seen similar situations and they broke my heart. I am reminded of a little girl who was in the same class as I was, in grades 5 and 6 in northern Ontario. I still remember her name. She was filthy, had lice, and she smelled. The other children would taunt her and would never play with her. She literally did live in a tar-paper shack on the wrong side of the tracks. I befriended her and would bring her food to eat. I would occasionally go to her 'house' (that had dirt floors) after school. We had to walk through a forest and cross abandoned railway tracks. Even her teeth were rotten. They had no running water nor electricity. I felt so bad for her. I would give her some of my clothes and my allowance. She did not even have boots so I gave her a second pair of mine. She made me swear to never tell anyone where she lived and how poor they were. I got teased for being her friend but she had more substance and heart than any of the other children and I stuck by her for two years. Then one day, she simply was gone. The tar paper shack was abandoned and I never knew what happened to her. Bobby, your sad poem has brought all these memories flooding back. God bless all the Felixes and Janettes of this world. ![]() Linda |
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Bobby Jordan Member
since 2007-08-13
Posts 491Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Roniece Dawson-Bruce, That’s good RDB, I tend to be a soft touch myself. TomMark, It is a cruel world. However, individual people are not cruel. I remember in hungry days how painful it was to pass restaurant windows and watch people inside eating. I’m sure that if I asked them for help, they would have fed me. I was too proud for that. It was a loss for me, and for them. So I made use of garbage cans. There is always a way. Earth Angel, You did good. I’m sure, whatever her circumstances, that somewhere out there, Janette sometimes remembers your kindness. Janette was a lot of fun to play with, wasn't she? God bless them indeed. Bobby |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Ah, Bobby, the world is all wrong and will remain wrong until there will not be one single being suffering like Felix, being rejected, hungry and cold. You are right, there are people and also associations who provide and care, but it is not enough. The assistance can't be only a one time or temporary service. It's a much greater problem which has to be solved by governments on the economic social level. Thank you for the sad reminder. love Margherita |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
People are foolish to think they can ignore Felix. He has always been with us and probably will be for some tome to come, Ida |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
![]() I saw your great dignity, sir! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Like Linda, I had a friend who was in a similiar position in life. This was long ago, in the 6th grade. Unlike Linda, I didn't get to establish a good relationship with her because she was not allowed to "make friends" for whatever reason. No reason ever that we need to ignore the Felix's in this world, Robert. All one needs is a wee bit of compassion. |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
I'm glad there are some folks that have the courage and ability to do effective 'reality' (and 'social impact/conscience') writes! continuing applause for this 'chapter' in Felix's story! |
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Bobby Jordan Member
since 2007-08-13
Posts 491Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Margherita, American society struggles along, but doesn’t do a good job with anything important. The U. S. has one of the lowest tax rates in the so called civilized world. Felix is pretty well fed-up with that situation. Ida, Felix doesn’t like to be ignored. He’s bent on not being ignored again. TomMark, My so called “dignity” has always been a problem for me. As I grow older, I’m slowly taming the beast. Sunshine, Felix is working to take care of those little problems. He’ll not take it lying down. Some families are like that. They are very reclusive. Some times for good reason, such as criminality. We all do the best we can. Bobby |
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Bobby Jordan Member
since 2007-08-13
Posts 491Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Secondhanddreampoet, We must have cross posted. All it takes is a good memory, and time to write it up. Thanks for the kind comment. Bobby |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
Felix`s tale reminds me of an episode from one of my favorite books - `A Tree Grows In Brooklyn` in which children didn`t want to sit next to a little girl because she smelt bad. The circumstances may have been different but the effect must have been the same on the child. |
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