" Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough ."
" 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 *
Transients, are citizens, too
Why do we take such a dim view?
What would you do if
Homeless you became?
Bathroom...Where would you go?
Freezing cold nights:
A warm place to sleep?
What would you do
To get off the streets?
Shelters, not enough beds
They are closing their doors
Tent cities...
Some residents/politicians
Think the lot of you
Bad neighbors would be
Will houses of worship
Let you sleep on their pews?
Don't bet on it...City ordinances
May drive you outdoors; for
They are not written with
Compassion in mind
Sure there's a few who
Prefer to live this way,
And some may cause trouble too
But what if it's not you?
Tarred and feathered with
The same sterotype;
Yet, no trouble you cause
Your desires, like ours:
Food and water; medical care,
and a warm bed,
With a roof over your head,
And a good paying job
These would suffice
For your needs...
Why do you have to plead?
Author notes
For more information on Homelessness, click on the following links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=%3CHomeless+youth%3E
Homeless children: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&q=%3Chomeless+children%3E
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=Homeless+Families
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=1757
http://www.local.com/results.aspx?keyword=Veterans+Organizations&location=Seattle+Wa
http://www.lyricsbay.com/tenting_tonight_on_the_old_campground_lyrics-unknown.html
Homeless Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
http://www.google.com/search?q=homeless+veterans+association&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en
http://www.google.com/search?q=hooverville+seattle&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooverville#Notable_Hoovervilles
Depression Era - Hooverville, Seattle, Wa.: http://www.historylink.org/results.cfm
http://www.washingtonthenandnow.com/montage/07.htm
http://www.bringingamericahome.org/
See also: http://allpoetry.com/poem/3289080
* http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/franklin_d_roosevelt.html
* For more information about former U.S. President Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR) click on these links:
http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 93 of 93
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The compassion in your poets' heart shines clearly through the shadowed, and all too often veiled subject matter. The dedication of a true citizen is shown in the inclusion of the links in the author's notes.
Rest assured I will visit each one.
Blessings to you, and all good fortune in your mission. It is needed.
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Thank you for your very thoughtful comment; compliments, and applause for I do appreciate them. I'm glad you find the footnotes to be of importance, also.
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I like the thoughts behind this one, however I don't like to see the word order of some of the sentences all twisted. Some poets will do that to make the line fit the rhyme, but there is no rhyme scheme here, so why do it? it doesn't make it sound more poetic in nature by doing that...
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I write as my muse inspires me to write, often without concern for the academics of writing poetry. I wasn't trying to be poetic with this. It is more of an unusual speech. When I read it at Poets West, here in Seattle, it was accepted quite well just as it is. However, as I have said before, you are entitled to your own opinion, so I respect your comment just as it is. Thanks for the compliment; comment, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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wow that was beautiful! you took such an ugly mean topic and made a wonderful poem from it. GREAT JOB!!!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and compliment. In the richest nation of the world, even during tough economic times there is no excuse for anyone being homeless. I hope you had the time to click on the external links (footnotes) which I provided for they are an excellent educational resource to learn about the organizations that exist to help the homeless. The homeless individuals which we see on the streets are just the "tip of the iceberg". I hope you have a good evening.
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bravo. you took a very important issue that touches the hearts of many people, and gave it an elegant voice. you do not overreach with your prose, and yet it is stinging enough to make its point. this is a great model for this type of writing, and it certainly has given me fuel for my inner fire!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and compliments for I do appreciate them.
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well done
the unrecorded in the annals of time that beg and cojole are scarcely seen by those in parasite suits who view each such corner as a toll-both taxing on their hardened quilt. these, all to common, are ignored by organized kingdoms of god and man. this is a strong tribute to the plight of many. well done, well written and very much in line with my own ideas. excellant writing.
kevin o'connor
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; encouragement, compliments and applause for I do appreciate them. Sorry, for the late reply.
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I read this poem of yours quite some time ago. It still resonates as strongly today as it did when I first read it.
Well done.
Mike -
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Thank you my friend, for I do appreciate your comments, and compliments.
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A very strong write I completly agree with you, homelessness is a tragedy most of homeless are people who suffer mental health problems and/or are extremely vunerable people who judge have no understanding of personal tragedy. You have expressed this powerfully well done.
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Thank you for your most thoughtful comments; and let us not forget the homeless veterans; homeless children, homeless families with children, etc. I hope you had an opportunity to click on the external links provided which will give you access to more information about the problem of homelessness, and national organizations which are trying to help eliminate this shameful disgrace within the wealtheist nation of the world.
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Ths ws a really great write.I wish there was something more to help. It was a touching poem that you wrote here.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliments and applause for I do appreciate them.
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This is so fitting for the times we are in right now. You really touched my heart with this one. I only wish we had the answers and the power to help all. Having worked at a Christian Mission I had a front seat view on this. I wanted so much to take them all home. It broke my heart and taught me to give more and pray harder. God bless.
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Thank you for your most thoughtful comments. I only wish more individuals had your first hand experience in working with the homeless, maybe we would have solved this problem by now. Thanks for your comment; compliment, and applause for I do appreciate them. I hope the list of references (footnotes) might be of value to those with whom you have worked.
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I love the quote you used to begin the poem, and you did it justice with this powerful write.
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Thank you for your comment; compliments, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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Ouch. I really admire the style your wrote this in. It is written in a very casual way, yet what is says is very cutting. Perhaps I see you and I look away, but what if I were there? And what's to say you weren't me, maybe only yesterday? A pleading and heart-wrenchingly truthful write. Thank you for your compassion, and your words.
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Thank you for your very thoughtful comments; compliments, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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What is wrong with this world our brothers and sisters are suffering some of us live in luxury paying huge amounts for one night out and dinner whilst our fellow humans starve on the streets ...we just shrug our shoulders and say what can i do then we go and buy more new clothes at the departments tore complaining about the color or shape handing fist full of dollars just for one pair of shoes and we party on at pubs paying 10 dollars per drink ...how callous are we ...and yes it is all of us ...an excellent awareness poem poet ...it us to the poet to make our conciences run hot with embarrasment...
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Thank you for your excellent thoughts and observations; compliments, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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this verse stood out the most for me
Will houses of worship
Let you sleep on their pews?
Don't bet on it...City ordinances
May drive you outdoors; for
They are not written with
Compassion in mind
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Thank you for your comment; implied compliment, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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found it impossible to resist this--I lived this life for 8 + years. It was very difficult at times but it teaches one a greater appreciation for what u have and not whine about what you don't. Government agencies treat you worse than unwanted immigrants and if your ill, well, it's just too bad.
On the bright side there is a chain, so to speak, of Christan service homes across the US called Dream Centers USA and should be found online----I'll check for the link and let you know.
The Salvation Army is also a good place if you can get a bed and apply yourself to the program. Most of them have temporary work around the holidays to help those willing to help themselves
Best of luck on your endeavor to raise awareness. It's time we cut back on helping third world countries and took care of our own!!!
Joe
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Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I appreciate your comments; compliments, and applause. Yes, I could include other references (footnotes) in the AN section on this poem, however the list is already rather long. I applaud all agencies who attempt to work with the homeless in a positive manner. Thanks again.
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wow
what can i say a political statement and a plea for compassion..written with passion from a heart of gold..well done...and being homeless myself once..i thank you on behalf of the less fortunate in this world.....great stuff
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliments, and applause for I do appreciate them. Maybe someday we will have a society/politicians that/who will finance human needs first, instead of balancing the govenment budget on the backs of the poor.
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Insightful
I really enjoyed the topic of the poem and think the quotes you used to frame it were well chosen. Thank you for this wonderful, insightful piece.
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Thank you for your compliment; comment, and applause for I do appreciate them.
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i loved the final reflection on the safety most people can afford and instantly take for granted. good write my friend
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Thank you for your comments, and compliments for I do appreciate them.
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Wow this was very good... I was homeless at the age of 17 and I have to say it was the hardest year of my life, I lived in an old abandoned house until I got picked up by the police..I didnt get in any trouble instead the officer helped me find a place to live!! And I think I have turend out ok!!! Thanks for sharing
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I would imagine so. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, and compliments. I do appreciate them. Maybe someday, our society will care enough to solve the problems that create homelessness.
If you, or anyone you know, would like more information, just click on the external links which I've provided in the Authors Notes (footnotes) section. Thanks again.
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thanks for spotlighting this work as it is all too easy for us to look past the suffering on the streets around us.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I do appreciate it.
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Yes!! My husband works with homeless people and I crochet items for children in hospitals who have had it rough.
I think your poem wrung so very true. Having worked with homeless people myself I understand the plight. Heck having lived in a battered women's shelter I really understand. I think you chose words that really rang true!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliments, and applause. I do appreciate them. I wish the best for both of you, and for your husband's clients.
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twas a fine write indeed, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
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This is so sad. I have so much sypathy for people even the ones who chose to live that way often it is because they no no other way
thanks for sharing and maybe opening a few eyes.
huggles
Lena -
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments and compliments. I do appreciate them. Aye, it is sad, however, with obscene rents, and costs of housing and medical care, job lay-offs, outsourcing of jobs to other nations, and condo conversions, almost anyone could become homeless through no fault of their own. I hope you had the time to click on and read the footnotes in my AN section. There are organizations dedicated to helping the homeless, and educating others on the harsh realities families and individuals face when they become homeless.
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Honest
An amazing insight! A powerful write, written so honestly! I never throw away good clothing that i no longer wear, i take it to the local mission so that people less fortunate can get the use of them as most times it is of no fault of there own that they have ended up homeless and people need to have more compassion instead of looking down their sobbish noses at these people!! And be more grateful of all the things that they have, such as a warm bed!!
Keep on writing
L.A -
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Thank you for your thoughtful, and compassionate response and actions. I also appreciate the compliments. I live in a Senior Citizen Residential Facility. Some residents were rich when they moved in; age took a toll on their physical health; and obscene medical expenses made them poor. Others have moved in with just a little more than the clothing on their backs. You are so correct, in today's uncertain economy; with jobs having been outsourced overseas, reasonably priced apartments being converted into obscenely priced condos; and entire neighborhoods being torn down for no reason except for the few to become wealthy at the expense of the working poor whose homes are destroyed for condos, and business developments, almost anyone can become homeless. What a travesty of justice!! Mercy and compassion seem to be qualities absent in many individuals in positions of power and wealth. Thanks again for your comments.
Hopefully, Pres. Obama will hear the cries of those who need help to fight the ruthless politicians; businessmen, developers and others who just do not care. I think we need a new nationwide Works Progress Administration once again so we can put the homeless and the unemployed back to work.
Pres. Franklin D Roosevelt did it once. If he chooses to do so, I believe Pres. Obama can do it again. Let's hope he does!
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Very powerful write about how the governments, Churches and neighbor look down at man's most basic needs. Nicely done my friend.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliment, and applause. I do appreciate them.
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inspiring
a great reminder of society's selfish ways,
and how many of still won't do anything about it.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliment, and applause. I do appreciate them.
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Wow this is a really nice poem full of truth that we must realize and not let it slip by we should be willing to share to help in some way. Its too bad all americans dont seem to think this way!
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Thank you for your comments; compliments, and applause. I do appreciate them.
Sorry, about the lateness of my reply.
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BRAVO! BRAVO!
Thankyou for using your honorable ink and soul,
to remind us...very tenderly and powerfully,
to not lose courage and keep our hearts of compassion
beating honorably!
we have much work to do in the next 4 years,
in our cities, and communities,
and together......we can make a difference!
thankyou for the fearless courage it took to write
this compassionate poem!
ears/Seattle
BRAVO! BRAVO!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; we can make a difference. I also appreciate your compliments and applause.
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Bravo
It makes me think, what are these politicians and others thinking? Housing is a human right! Just like health care and all the other "luxiries" this country denies people. Thanks for this piece people need to think about these things, I mean what if it were you, and don't ever say or it won't be...I said that and now I have HIV. be careful!!!!! -
Stunning
Quite a write! This is a subject that is close to many hearts (just look at all the comments). You wake up one day you've lost EVERYTHING. You're out in the streets with thieves at your back and no one wants to look you in the eye. That IS alone! You start to look ratty and smell the same. Free food lines, red lights, white crosswalk lines-this is your life "on the nickle". If you're curious...my page...Under Bridges. -c
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments; compliments, and applause. I do appreciate them.
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Congrats, Cobber! I think this message should be put out there for the entire damned world community to take notice of. There are many who don't choose to be out in the cold freezing. It's not something they desire. Your poem was so mindful and your caring nature really was shining through. I wish everyone were like you. Noone really knows when this is going to happen to them. A change of firtune could call any day. Who knows. I loved it so much. You are a joy.
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Thanks for the compliment. I feature it as often as possible. I hope you've had time to read the rest of my series on homelessness, and clicked on the links, which I provided to illustrate the meaning of this poem. They contain a lot of information about the causes of, and possible solutions for homelessness.
Thanks also for the comments and applause. I do appreciate them.
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This tale needs to get out more! You did a wonderful job at writing this piece and a wonderful service to the betterment of mankind. I'll bookmark this one. Peace.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment; compliments. I've featured this one quite frequently. I hope you've had an opportunity to read the entire series. Here's the URL, to click on for my list of titles regarding homelessness:
http://allpoetry.com/list/57521-Homelessness
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good visual raised. Form and grammar are great. The subject matter and content are for the reader and author to debate.
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Thank you for your comment and compliment. I do appreciate them.
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Supberb
I felt the hardship in the imagery your writing. Made me sickening how we govern the elect who could turn around and cause us pain. I love it. Haley27
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Thank you for your comments; compliment and applause. I do appreciate them.
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Multi clappies for you. Absolutely incredible. I loved it. Heartfelt and a little angry and completely full of emotion.
Write on.
~*~SP~*~
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Thank you for your comments; compliments and applause. I do appreciate them.
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I was living in a nice affordable apartment in a house with my three children, when the city kicked us out because it wasn't zoned for an apartment. Dued to cicumstances and not getting any help, I had to give my kids to my ex and I had nowhere to go luckly somebody took me in. I was homeless but not on the streets and it was the first time but it wasn't the last time. I have been a step away from the streets many times, still am, always just a paycheck away.
Thank you for writing this and I will check out the sight.
Great job. -
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You have my empathy. Some politicians are absolutly heartless, when it comes to zoning laws that prevent mother in law apts., or the renting of rooms in private homes. I think some of them would rather create homeless individuals, rather than doing whatever is necessary to keep individuals in their homes, or apts. Condo conversions can sometimes cause homelessness, or even rising property taxes. The whole process of gentrification in American cities often is ruining neighborhoods, destroying more low to moderate income housing faster than it is being replaced. How anyone living on a minimum wage income can afford a studio apt. by themselves is beyond me. Wikipedia has an excellent article on homelessness, which is a footnote to the above poem. I wish you all the best for your future. Thanks for commenting.
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this is really good! very sympathetic you are, and awesome at showing it! only have time for a quick comment, but i really appreciated it all the same. thanks for sharing this with me! i am super jealous of your works! lolz!
-Peanut Butter Fudge
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Thanks for your comments; compliment and applause. I do appreciate them. I hope you will shortly have the time to click on the footnotes (URL's) which I provided; as you might be interested in that information as well. Hope you have a good evening.
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My son is on disability and gets $900. per month which child support yanks away. A hefty % anyway. More than half. Of course he's homeless. Who can live on 450. a month ... I know people look down on him and treat him as less than human. He's a caring, loving person. His disability will pay for training for him to so that someday he can have a trade that will earn him a place to live and food to eat. Personally, I don't think I could last homeless ...
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You and your son have my deepest empathy. The heartlessness of some politicians today, is incredible. They waste taxpayer dollars on useless temples to sports, magnificent opera halls, and other entertainments for the rich, while destroying opportunites for men; women and children to get off the streets and into low, or moderate income housing.
And our society wastes billions on senseless wars (on both sides of the conflict) while humans are starving to death around the world. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to believe the human race will eventually become extinct largely due to senseless wars around the globe and equally senseless economic policies that pitt the poor against the rich. And of course these are not the only reasons. (Global Warming)
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Very touching and well laid out. I liked the idea of ending it with a rhetorical question to emphasize your point. Well done.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment and compliment. I do appreciate both.
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Nicely Done
This is well thought out. I live in an area where there are few homeless people. Some like it that way, others are touched in the head. The church I belong to is very small but donates to people that are hard up for help.
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This is the poem whose link I tried to send to you earlier.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, and applause. I do appreciate both.
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Honestly
I have often wondered why some need and want so much yet complain about those that you speak of. How can an actor or actress that makes millions have relate to those poor SOBs that are homeless. Yet they never seem to have enough. Sad but honest write
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Thank you for your most thoughtful comment. At the current rate of gentrification, I think many more families, senior citizens and veterans may end up being homeless. Too bad most of our rather callused politicians have never been homeless. If they had experential knowledge of what it is really like to live on the streets, perhaps they would sing a different tune when it comes to funding, and efficiently distributing those funds.
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excellent! expression and writing is awesome.. to nice know that issue can will be forefront of presidential election .. thanks you for sharing..
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Thank you for you comment and compliment. I do appreciate
both.
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Your words hit nail, bang on the head
Plights of the homeless, bleeds a dark red
avoiding the topic, avoiding the streets
eyes of misfortune, hunger for meats
rudolf
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Thank you. You've certainly have excellent imageryin your poetic comment.
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Compelling and pointed write describing the struggles of being homeless. I worked with battered women and their children for many years ... becoming homeless by fleeing abusive partners. Homelessness is a hard way to live, and most are not doing it by choice. Living on the street is not a vacation, as some imagine ... no beds, toilets; exposed to the elements and people who would do them harm 'for sport'. Why indeed do they "have to plead" for help. ....Just Breathe
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Thank you for your most compelling comment and compliment. I do appreciate both.
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very touching.
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Thank you.
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Amazing write, I worked with the homeless for 12 years and realized that know one knows what strong survivors they are. Your poem captured their strenth while protraying their struggle.
With foreclosure and unemployment rates on the rise, most do not realize just how close they are...
I wish I could give you six bunnies for this one.
Bravo!
Marianne
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Thank you. Your comments are most appreciated. You are quite right, most do not realize "just how close they are".
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This is really a wonderful poem, and one after my own heart. Your poetic voice is so honest and natural and compassionate, without a trace of artifice and insincerity, which is not easily come by. Keep up the marvelous work!
David
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Awesome poem about the homeless.
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Bossk
Thanks for the compliment. I just added a link that gives more information on Homelessness.
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Been there once
Your close to it, try colder, hungrier, and being treated meaner, spit on, and a new one, young kids out killing homeless people, for kicks.
Nice write
B D
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B D Van de Kamp
Aye, you are quite correct. I just added a link, that covers the topics you suggest. Thanks for the comment; compliment and suggestions, I do appreciate all three.
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