Just Some Food For Thought

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Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

0 posted 2002-08-26 03:30 PM

~* Just Some Food For Thought *~
© 17/2/99 Mysteria

Why, when we share the same world,
sunrise, sweet birds waking call,
is there a need to ask why
their sad song permeates city air
so that it is rank with regret?

They sing sad lullabies that waft
on the mists of yesterday.
Not one soul can be ignored,
and through their own anger
they ensure they are visible to your eye.

These alleys so dark and dank
with dumpsters hollow and rank
there live the voices of this choir.
Lost children singing...
“Why?”
A repetitive song with no music
yet the beat of the metronome
so loud of pounding fists
on brick walls, in rancid spaces.

As I walk on by they chant...
"Why?
        Why?
              Why?”
Weekly, monthly, yearly
this mournful throng grows
in forgotten cries of...
“Why?”
Those who by their own hand are dying,
or already dead,
chant in silent scream of,
”Who dares to peer into this
dark, dank, and dismal dumpster
to make judgment on my lost soul?”

They consume me with blank eyes,
Their angst and anger echos their
screams at me with no words but...
"Why?
        Why?
              Why?”
“At what garbage bin do you get to play God?
At what point do you lament,
mourn and pray for deafness
for there are just too many dumpsters?”
As another sunrise crowns the mountain tops,
I think of "love thy neighbour as thyself".
And I simply wonder...
                          “Why?”

The most valuable thing you own is a smile, wear it, and share it.
Sharon

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (08-26-2002 06:07 PM).]

Tammy Blessing
Member

since 2002-08-26

Posts 366
PA

1 posted 2002-08-26 03:52 PM

Wonderful!!!! Simply wonderful!! It's nice to know that there are still a few people left in the world that can "see" and "hear". I really enjoyed the pictures along with this post. It really brings it home to you. Looking forward to more of your posts in future!!

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-05

Posts 8296
Michigan

2 posted 2002-08-26 04:00 PM

Sharon...
Only you, with your lovely and intense sensitivity, could have written a beautiful poem about garbage dumpsters...
and everything you say here is absolutely true... and so very striking when one stops to think about it.

~ loving hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks

EagleScorpion
Senior Member

since 2000-03-08

Posts 1644
Here, Now, Forever

3 posted 2002-08-26 04:13 PM

i see these guys all the time in philly. Whenever im taking a trip to philly and i stumble onto one of these people, i usually try and be friendly with them, talk about funny things.. perhaps give em a couple bucks, give them the rest of my soda, bum them a ciggarette, and go on my way. Believe me, what you get in exchange for this litte kindness is more than worth it. Perhaps by doing one small act of kindness such as this, you can change their life for the better?

GOlDsparklESS
Member

since 2001-12-13

Posts 428
central nj

4 posted 2002-08-26 05:05 PM

definitely food for thought. this is powerful, and i think it expresses GREAT respect for humanity, despite their supposed pitfalls.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

5 posted 2002-08-26 06:05 PM

Sharon,
Those who are by their own hand are dying,
==============
Does that line need an edit?

You have such a wonderful social conscience. It combines so well with your gift of poetry. If only there were easy solutions. Instead, it seems, most of us do nothing. You do well to remind us...

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Munda
Member Elite

since 1999-10-08

Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands

6 posted 2002-08-26 06:08 PM

Why indeed. I ask myself that question every time I see a homeless and wonder what's the story behind this person. Some day soon I'm going to write their stories down. Great write Sharon. Straight from the heart.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

7 posted 2002-08-26 06:11 PM

Yes Larry

thanks.

We all can't do a darn thing except try to understand. Be careful that what you give is going to be used well, and most of all give a smile. Beyond other losses the biggest one they have is their dignity, and accepting them as part of society and treating them fairly is a start. A lot are where they will stay so helping missions in their neighbourhood with donations of blankets this time of year in preparation for winter really helps or non-perishable foods to food banks too

Thanks for reading.

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (08-26-2002 06:13 PM).]

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

8 posted 2002-08-26 08:14 PM

(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Sharon, I know all we can do is understand but truly I think it is saddening how we as a whole won't go beyond that and end this whole greed of capitalism and survival of the fittest concept! (big hugggsssss) Truly just seeing hope among those who live on the streets is something I admire so much yet it is also the biggest heartbreak to me as it is up to us to support them! (sigh) This is very touching, sweet friend, God Bless You, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are less fortunate than we are, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sharon, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (08-26-2002 08:14 PM).]

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

9 posted 2002-08-26 08:23 PM

Sharon

I have written so much about the streets...it breaks my heart, and your why has been mine. Thank you for seeing and not looking away. Hugs for this poem!

Nightshade

Member Patricius

since 2001-08-31

Posts 13962
just out of reach

10 posted 2002-08-26 09:10 PM

Truth well written, and sadly read. Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

catalinamoon

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-06-03

Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone

11 posted 2002-08-26 09:11 PM

Sharon, I'm glad there are people like you who have not forgotten the "forgotten" ones.
I live with a vey scary financial situation with my daughter an her children, and I always feel this kind of life breathing down our back.
I wish no one was ever homeless, or alone, or hungry, especally children.
Hugs for this
Sandra

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

12 posted 2002-08-26 09:16 PM

Sharon,
If you broaden the picture the dumpsters here are the cream of the crop. Misery in some places of the world is unmentionable.

Gemini
Senior Member

since 1999-12-15

Posts 1203
Wisconsin, USA

13 posted 2002-08-26 09:37 PM

Lest they not be forgotton, thank you for reminding me with thought provoking words and images. I believe many people choose to look away, it is their way of coping with the fact that they walk a thin line between what they have and and future of having not.

Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

14 posted 2002-08-26 09:51 PM

There used to be a national outcry against the homeless...it was all you saw on the news. And then suddenly, it was ignored. Thank you for bringing this back to our attention.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

15 posted 2002-08-26 10:20 PM

You are all so very generous with your comments, and the only reason I get on this subject in the heat of Summer is thinking about the cold of Winter yet to come. Here, they have torn down the places where these folks used to live to make way for high-rises, and pipes, alleys, doorway, and the undercover of bridges are now home to many. They need shoes, boots, blankets, rations, and no welfare does not cover some of their unspoken habits but it is the "chicken or the egg syndrome" and to some it simply won't change. Try a turn in a soup kitchen or the Harbour Light (maybe Salvation Army there) and the reality of this problem hits you square in the eyes and heart. Some get out, some don't want out, some die there, it is not right or wrong it just is. I do these things so people will be reminded of what a compassionate race we are and can be, and if we just accept each other for who and what we are, what a wonderful world it would be. Oh dear, I did go on didn't I, sorry. I took Nan through the worst area of town while she was here, and was surprised I didn't see a poem about it

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

16 posted 2002-08-27 05:46 AM

Sharon, I have visited with friends to Washington DC and saw alot of this on the streets there. It is a sad but harsh reality of life and you wrote it well.
Yes, definately food for thought. Hugs to you special lady.

If I have touched one heart through my words, then I have acheived my dream...

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

17 posted 2002-08-27 05:13 PM

Thank you sweet spirit, and darn forgot to comment on your beautiful poem - doing it now, as it was simply lovely...

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

18 posted 2002-08-28 03:19 AM

Sharon-
As you know from reading some of my past
poetry, this is a subject that hits close
to my heart. As a matter of fact, I had been
considering reposting one of mine on this subject
and then I stumbled onto this one.
Thank you so much for writing this and for
sharing the reminder with all of us.
Big hugs to you,
~Vicky

"...until you have read the verse on his heart,
you have not truly met the poet.
~vlraynes

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

19 posted 2002-08-28 06:30 AM

Now what makes you this MissGypsiness doesn't have a poem about the conditions tucked somewhere in that bag of hers? You did very well in the portrayal of those who sometimes choose the street...and of those that never have a choice in the matter.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

20 posted 2002-08-28 03:41 PM

Vicky post it! And anyone else too, this is the time of year they need help most, as the volunteers are getting packages ready for winter for them. There is this really good pattern out that is a pillow that really holds a blanket inside, and if you use good old-fashioned warm wool these are great for them to give away - just a thought. I have the ladies at the long care facility who can use sewing machines having a ball making them!

thank you all for your compassison and for reading.

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