navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #37 » Unknown Homeless
Open Poetry #37
Post A Reply Post New Topic Unknown Homeless Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
mariae
Member
since 2006-04-24
Posts 54
Denmark, Europe

0 posted 2006-04-25 05:55 AM



Walking past him every day
not really knowing why he's there
The old man and his dog on the bench

I carefully give him a little smile and put a dollar in his hat

He always smiles to me
with his teethless mouth
I hurry on
not wanting to talk to him

I feel uneasy when I see him

A homeless and his dog
Opens a beer and says -
cheers my good friend

He has been there for many years

Going to work
Passing the old man
and putting a dollar in his hat
Followed by a- bless you lady
I quickly move on
-again

On the way home I stop, something's not right

The bench is empty
People talking about life, ambulance
Sitting on the old mans bench
feeling a strange loss

I can't help but wonder

Was he a good man?
Loved?
Was he blessed by any one
Will he be remembered?

I will remember the homeless man I never wanted to get to know

Maria

© Copyright 2006 M.Elmbaek - All Rights Reserved
poettothecars
Senior Member
since 2006-02-10
Posts 1093
New Zealand
1 posted 2006-04-25 06:35 AM


this very much sums up life, we never know that we never knew we never knew

a poet who cares

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
2 posted 2006-04-25 08:15 AM


sometimes the homeless people are the most interesting to talk to

and sometimes so much more intelligent than we know.

Sometimes I give in to talking and find incredible people in return...reminds me of a poem I wrote long ago about such a conversation called A Place To Live.

Your heart shows through in this poem

mariae
Member
since 2006-04-24
Posts 54
Denmark, Europe
3 posted 2006-04-25 08:33 AM


Passing Shadows
Thank you :-)
You are so right. They are sometimes the most interesting people. Perhaps they just had too many hard times.

-In a world of thoughts-

StevenS
Senior Member
since 2005-09-21
Posts 945
L. A. (Lower Alabama)
4 posted 2006-04-25 10:06 AM


Enjoyed the poem mariae, you never know he could have been an Angel! :-)
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
5 posted 2006-04-25 10:55 AM


Mariae~
Oh wow, did your piece ever hit home with me this day !!

In Holly Hill, Florida, four teenagers were arrested for beating a homeless man to death last May ... the brutality of this act of 'sport' was punished, just yesterday, with sentences that were in accord to their levels of participation in the crime~

The teenagers, ages 19, 18, 16 and 15, were tried as adults and found guilty and sentenced to 35 years for the 19 year old, 35 years for the 15 year old, 27 years for the 18 year old, and 22 years for the 16 year old~

They each took part in killing a 53 year old man who simply lived in the woods~

How very sad that we don't take the time to 'know' the homeless~

You touched a raw cord with this and I thank you for doing so ... maybe ... just maybe ... others will see this and THINK for a change~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -     noles1@totcon.com     

mariae
Member
since 2006-04-24
Posts 54
Denmark, Europe
6 posted 2006-04-25 12:41 PM


Thanks Marge
It is amazing what young people do some times. Not thinking about the value of other peoples lives.
There's always a price to pay for the actions you make.
Maria

-In a world of thoughts-

sweetberry
Member
since 2006-03-29
Posts 125

7 posted 2006-04-26 11:47 PM


This was a different type of poem to read, that's what made this one so special... Something to make you say hhmmmmmm......
BROTHER JOHN
Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386

8 posted 2006-04-29 02:08 AM


Dear Mariae,

Thanks for reminding us of a sad truth.  Too, another sad truth are those who live in homes and are alone and many die alone.

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
9 posted 2006-04-29 07:53 PM


Brought these thoughts....some of us don't even know and appreciate those that we are closest too...James
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #37 » Unknown Homeless

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary