" Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men .*"
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States
Birds fly above men lying upon the bench.
The park is home to those in a pinch.
Wealth surrounds them, yet so hard to trickle down
And change the scenes that surround them.
When shall a home for them be found?
Author notes
Written in a park observing a homeless person asleep on a park bench. It is too bad that Seattle is losing its compassion towards homeless veterans, individuals; families and homeless children. Written August 28th, 2006
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/depwwii/depress/depress.html
* http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/franklin_d_roosevelt.html
For more information on the Homeless; just click on these Google Links:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=%3Chomelessness%3E
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=%3Chomeless+youth%3E
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=%3Chomeless+veterans%3E
http://www.local.com/results.aspx?keyword=Veterans+Organizations&location=Seattle+Wa
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=1757
http://www.lyricsbay.com/tenting_tonight_on_the_old_campground_lyrics-unknown.html
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=homeless+families
See also: http://allpoetry.com/poem/4341369
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Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Homelessness in relative
Sadly and amazingly some people are homeless from choice
My family was homeless once – lost our home in the war
We didn’t like it . . and we desperately did something to put that part of life behind us.
But in those days things were very different and being homeless was earnestly resisted it.
Today some homeless are helped to remain homeless
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Thank you for your very thoughtful; personal comment; and applause for I do appreciate them. Yes, I understand that there are a few who may find this lifestyle, appealing, or perhaps they have just given up out of a sense of despair feeling that society just doesn't care about solving this problem. Too many politicians tend to balance city; county, and state, and federal budgets on the backs of the poor; working poor, and cut the finances for the very programs that are desperately needed to help individuals out of poverty and homelessness. We, as a society, fail to realize that anyone in tough economic times could become homeless. So resources are not directed towards remodeling abandend warehouses, some quite large into homeless shelters. When I talk to homeless individuals, which I do on a regular basis, I end up thinking that many of our politicians judge the homeless by the stereotypical few who, for whatever reason, may have turned to drugs or alcohol to alleviate there inner pain. I hope you have, if you haven't already, a chance to at least browse the footnotes which I've provided mainly for those who have never experienced homelessness.
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Wow. Nice short, pithy piece. I think giving the info in your AN was a fantastic idea, too. Thanks for sharing that thoughtful observation from your day in the park. It's a complex and achingly human need that demands more attention from a self-absorbed generation and society. Let us build that awareness.
Peace -
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Thank you for your very thoughtful, and compassionate comments, and compliments for I do apprecioate them.
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Oh, yes I know that some choose to live homeless. But for the rest our society must do better. Tomorrow, I'll post another write on the same subject that takes a different approach.
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A wonderful write! Most people don't stop to give the homeless a second thought. However...I've done some work with different organizations through the years, dealing with the homeless. You'd be surprised to know how many of these people choose to live homeless. And while I know that sounds absurd...I know of what I speak. There are a vast majority that are there due to their addictions...alcohol...drugs...gambling, and on, and on. And while our hearts go out to them, my own belief is that for so many, where they are now is a direct result of the choices they've made in their past. Not all, of course. But of the vast majority, it is true. Does this mean we shouldn't have compassion on them...try to be of help where we can? Of course not. But I think it's also wise to keep in mind that some people not only can't be helped, but don't more importantly, don't want to be helped. Wondeful, thought-provoking piece! Great work!
Paula -
You are most welcome.
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Thank You for Sharing!
I thank goodness they do too...
There are so many I have encountered...whom want to change but the resources are not available to help those who want a better lifestyle...or want a change...
I personally know individuals who were forced into homelessness...because of landlord evicting due to change of ownership...Not an easy pill to swallow when there is not another place to go on such short notice...
It is not easy living in an environment where money talks.. and jobs are hard enough to find...for those who do have a roof over their heads and a college degree...
I can voice in great lengths...and it pains me to see people suffer...as told to me:
Like walking down a road with exits...but they all say
Road Closed.....due to .......
Appreciate this Masterpiece my Friend!!!
Hopefully, this will awaken the awareness...The Need..
for positive change in Society...
Thank You for sharing this my Friend!
Best wishes too
and much love~ Desire~*~
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A deep write up with your innermost instincts that move the very foundations of the reader in me and then the world is a bad place where socialist thinking is a regressive step and the communist set up will upset!
A day will come when no rich man so poor and no poor man so rich will each end up in the cauldron of a boiling oil..Lets hope the population decreases and not with the terrorist attacks or plane crashes or with the aid of AIDS
Shubs
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