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Open Poetry #46
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Shopping at Jantzen Beach
| Open Poetry #46 |
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Shopping at Jantzen Beach |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now 
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At the interchange there is a woman, small, bedraggled a brown sign in her hands. It is too dark now to read its message. The day is cold, and wet- the wind relentless. Cars crawl and hurry in the stop-and-go style of Christmas at the shopping center. The woman owns her corner; no one else crowds her right or left, though other sections shoulder popular with the familiar forms Out of work, anything helps and God bless Someone slows to hand a paper fast-food bag you are surprised by the urgency with which she hurries to grab it- no cynical excuse, no arrogant pride; she already tears the wrapper, takes big bites Oh, she is so hungry you say, as you drive past. *Ps: Obviously I meant this poem as a call to charity, not as an uncaring sneer. Thank you  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A pile of scribbles here: http://sharonleighpoetry.blogspot.com [This message has been edited by Amaryllis (12-24-2010 06:18 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2010 Amaryllis - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
PS...Amaryllis...you hit the nail on the head...I'm so fortunate that, even though I've been without a job for nearly two years now? I'm not homeless, nor without. And, when I go on interviews and finally hear that someone else got the position? I'm pretty sure they were more needful. It's been a difficult few years...but just like you took that lady in with your eyes, perhaps someone will be able to offer her one step further into her future.  for your heart, child.Merry Christmas! |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
That was quite a sobering picture of the Yuletide you have painted for us with your words and expressions of concern. Merry Christmas to you. . . . and the raven said, )!(%!~@~#&$ . . . |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Amaryllis, Thank you for your caring heart. latearrival |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed your thoughts...James |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
I see it the way you meant it. I also see your heart as being huge. Nice writing Amaryllis as usual. Have a great 2011 and I wish you the best!! Eric ain't doin nothin at all just answerin the call |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
"You say, as you drive past"...how true that is. I always find it amazing at the angry faces of drivers as they pass an accident scene, outraged by being delayed. True, there is a difference between the two, one referencing that fact that someone (else) should do something and the other referencing indifference and even anger towards another's misfortune but there is a similarity, too, and I see it in your poem. Merry Christmas, dear poetess |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Thank you to everyone... yes, it haunts me... how many times do we drive past these people? I know sometimes there are certain ones who may take 'advantage' of the situation, yet... to see her true hunger... it has stuck with me. We were already almost onto the highway when I saw this. And yes, we do give to charities... but sometimes I wish I could somehow give to ALL the needy. It isn't possible for one person, yet... if we all do a little, then... well, you know! Thanks again, everyone, and Merry Christmas! My best~ Amaryllis |
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easy1 Senior Member
since 2010-05-22
Posts 1209Southeastern USA |
Interesting. As Robert Pirsig mentioned in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance many years ago now, it is all just "more television" especially from an automobile. Anybody who can pull off near-highway panhandling would probably make a good showroom salesperson of the patient but persistent and fast-closing kind. Most won't get that chance - as far as that's a better life when people are buying product - yet I am just saying so. I imagine your subject here more like a hungry winter bird at the feeder. That is certainly part of the situation, too. Nowadays, however, it is only a truly desperate panhandler who eats unsealed food handouts. Poignant write, thanks. p.s. Jantzen, huh?  |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
Thanks for keeping the bigger picture in focus. The small town area I live in doesn't have that type of scenario. Your compassion vs compassionlessness is very well done. Lori |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Very compassionate write, dear Amaryllis. Yes, it would be great if we could help all those who are in difficulty. I also have to ignore some, because there are too many here ... The other day I was moved by a scene I observed at a stoplight ... a very dirty and shabby man held a plastic bag open and passed from car to car. He made it manifest that he did not ask for money, but for something to eat. And right from the car ahead of mine somebody handed him a package (sealed) of clementines. I must keep something in my car next time I happen there ... Love, Margherita |
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