Under the bridge,
the aging man sleeps.
A decade old plaid shirt,
raggedy, paint stained jeans,
and some rich kid's unwanted dress shoes.
Even the socks.
Hand-me-downs,
from a wealthy businessman
who felt pity for the aging man.
Rejected by society.
Shunned by the world.
But why?
We are not the Roman Catholic Church.
We do not excommunicate.
A human just like us.
Someone's grandfather.
By the day getting older.
Seasons are nearing winter,
when the days will get colder.
And the aging man,
with plaid shirt
and raggedy paint stained jeans,
will seek shelter and refuge,
from the cruel hurtful stares,
Of cruel judge-mental people,
here in his home.
Under the bridge.
Author notes
A poem, for the homeless people of this world. We all see them, walking down the street, we DO see them under bridges in our cities. And for a split second, those of us who have hearts, pity them. Whether it just be acknowledging their existence, giving them a sandwich, money, or just giving them a conversation, we've all seen them. And when we see them, our minds instantly label them as: Trashy, dirty,nasty,no good, failures.
And that isn't right, they are people, just like us. their life just took a different route than ours. We should not judge them, we should not mock them, we should not ridicule them. They are human, we are too.
A thanks to anyone who has ever helped a homeless man, woman, or child. I appreciate it, and I'm sure they did too, probably a lot more then you will ever know.
Hope you enjoy.
-Will
A contest entry
- My Favorite Song Titles by Cannonsfire.
725 points, ended June 2, 2007, 13 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give Me Your Best!!! by Tomorrows Window.
300 points, ended June 2, 2007, 41 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - My first year on AP by forever dreaming.
450 points, ended June 17, 2007, 45 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Allpoetry Book Project #2! by tinuelena.
800 points, ended June 20, 2007, 17 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comment/Critique freely.
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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Very Good
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cool
this is such a good poem
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it's really sad....i agree, some don't choose that path....but you're poem is really great....i like the cycle from the first stanza to the last, ending the way you began :]
Godbless....
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having been homeless myself, i can see things from that perspective. there are many different causes of homelessness. some people, like myself, just go through a bad time, and need help getting back up. some people are also mentally ill, and need a lot more help. some have drug and alcohol issues, and yes, there are those who really are just plain lazy. It's a sad fact that more often than not homeless people are judged by the very worst of them. people see a drunkard begging for booze money, a junkie puke in an alley, or a bag lady argue with a wall and think all homeless are like that. that is not the case.
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i love the message that are homeless people in this world this should be address by church , the state and the nation as a whole.. thanks for sharing
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without routine
Took me to a great place; thanks for the write; wish I could offer a; critical critique? Anyway thanks again.
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This is heartfelt.
This is very heartfelt and while much of what you write is true there are some that live under the bridge for other reasons. Perhaps they do not feel they can live in a society of vipers as the bible says. They are our walking wounded if you will. This is a poignant piece worth the read. -
like pretty much everyone else, I really liked the comparison to the Roman Catholic Church. I always used to see this one woman who sat by a sign at an intersection. I always wanted to talk to her, but one day she wasn't there anymore. I still wonder what happened to her. I guess she finally got a ride somwhere. Wish I had said or done something.
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ouchhhhhhh this is so painful to read:S this man u talk about there is just like him under he bridge where i go to work after university i see only his not a man but a woman and wats worse her son is a dentist and daughter a teacher :S i always go sit by her and we talk i give her money too:s sometimes she cries when she tells stories:S how her children tossed her out from home :S
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I really enjoyed this poem. I like the message you are sending in it. This is a poem you will remember the next time you see a homeless person. The poem was put together well.
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very good poem for the contest brought back 'memories' of DYLAN THOMAS -'the hunchback in the park' good title good beginning very good ending hopefully 'teaching/showing' us all a valuable lesson thanks for sharing regards zaj
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"We are not the Roman Catholic Church--
We do not excommunicate."
HA!
I enjoyed this. Quick spellcheck on my part: judgmental.
Thanks for the entry!
Elizabeth -
This is such a sad poem yet unfortunately it is based on the utmost truth. Which I think in a lot of ways adds to its strength. The language although simple conveys a real sense of emotion and the imagery gives the reader a really good picture of what you have tried to create with this piece. Overall although sad I really liked this poem.
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all of these poems make me sad! but they are all so true! my heart goes out to all of them and i do feel sorry for them! when ever we go to down town Nashville i always bring money and ill buy them McDonalds or something because i do feel bad for them! and its about time someone does stand up for them!
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Another great homeless poem by you. This is pretty descriptive. I like it. Good luck in the contest!
<3 Jenerali -
Aww this was really good, and brutally honest. I was very descriptive and full of truthful words screaming at every one. thank you for sharing. it was most exellent.
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OMG
Will this is so effing awasome -
Well it is winter down under so there are homeless that will begin this very existence. Thank you for sharing a piece of life with us. Love, C
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