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Open Poetry #37
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In the Absence of Presence
| Open Poetry #37 |
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In the Absence of Presence |
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia 
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A cup of coffee warmed him this morning, not so much his body but his soul. A kind and generous passerby had shown some warmth amid the cold. But that had been this morning. The coins have since been spent. So once again, he extends his hands, receiving change and pocket lint. Sometimes there's folding money. Most times, there's only a frown at the "dirty, useless S-O-B" that defiles the streets of town. I saw him at the Hardware store. Eyes drawn back into their sockets; I stopped and chatted for a bit. He stuffed my five into his pocket. I wish I could have offered more, but my ten is all that stands between having food for me and mine and holding out my hands. I watched awhile, as many others passed him by without a stall. It seemed he was invisible... or did not exist at all. They say there's a chance of snow tonight. They haven't seen or heard his need. I watch them leave the Hardware Store... Having bought the birds some seed. He said his name was Peter. He served in Vietnam. Yes, he has some habits. No, he doesn't give a damn. Peter fell on hard times. Now he sleeps in snow and rain. That first step up is a hard climb, when you're halfway down the drain. The mornings are when he makes his rounds. That's when he comes out and greets those who walk upon the pavement, with souls too pure to touch the streets. It's not the fact that he was homeless or on drugs that bothers me. What disturbs me about his presence is the invisibility. The absence of his presence. The absence of the poor. The absence of the "ugly ones" so easy to ignore. Those in desperation. Those who often turn to crime. From lack of hope and inspiration. From lack of someone taking time. Someone is seeking comfort. Someone is pleading a silent plea. Be it drugs or acts of violence... They cry out, "Look at me!" Someone is showing no kind of sign. No show of discontent. Its kept inside their heart and mind and never finds a vent. Oh, they try to keep it hidden 'neath the armor that they wear. But inside, its cold and lonely, and no one seems to care. We put up walls around ourselves to hide the weaknesses, fears and doubts. Walls meant to keep others from looking in But block us from seeing out. We become unable to see beyond ourselves. Deaf to the sound of another's calls. Too isolated now to hear the howls of others buried beneath their walls. Insecurity is a tough battle. Oh! How we masquerade the blows! From the "clown" within the classroom to the "hard core" on Death Row. Oh! How hard we try to hide the weakness that we feel! We play pretend right to the end... Then wish that we'd been real. |
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| © Copyright 2006 Larry F. Leake - All Rights Reserved | |||
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StevenS Senior Member
since 2005-09-21
Posts 945L. A. (Lower Alabama) |
Uriah, I wish everybody in the world could read this. Nothing less than awesome! A gift of healing to our ailing society! Words to be taken to heart! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Uriah, if all the world was like you, there wouldn't be any poor, cold, hungry or desolate. - Owl |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
...Another one for my library by the illustrious, philanthropic, fascinating, enlightened, talented and caring Uriah! You are a very special individual and I am so pleased that you are a member of our poetic family!  Love & Light 'n a great big hug-o-love, EA |
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