In my purse
is every penny
that remains to my threadbare name.
In my house
are empty cupboards
and a pocketbook filled with shame.
In my belly
resides a hollow ache,
a need not often fed;
In a paper bag,
all I could purchase,
a pint of milk, small loaf of bread.
In a darkened alley
near my humble home
lives a girl with a pinched-white face.
In her eyes
I read signs of starvation--
a pain my kindness could erase.
In a sudden twinge,
I feel compassion,
forget my own despair.
In a miracle,
I offer all I have,
entertaining an angel unaware.
Author notes
"What you do to the least of these, you have done to Me."
A contest entry
- Good Pre Writes With No Trophies by lindaburns.
2100 points, ended November 11, 2008, 28 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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JUDGE:
I like it. Will you please make that second “i” in the last line a capitol letter. I like the story. I like the flow and rhyme scheme. If you edit that “I”, let me know so I can put the poem on the finalist list.
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Thanks for pointing out the error. It's amazing how I can read something a million times and not see a mistake...but a fresh pair of eyes spots it right away! The "i" has been changed to an "I."
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another wise write
yes it's true... a time of sadness is a time to understand... good job getting your message accross here.. keep penning and bravo
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Very clever...I didn't see that coming. Also, very true...we really do never know. Good luck in the contest.
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Georgeous. I chose to read this one because of the lines posted below it on your homepage 'in my purse is every penny' and that got me curious. I see a lot of myself in this poem.
Its so simple and yet has such a strong message. -
Humm..this is really an intriguing journey of the thoughts ..I love it..thanks for sharing it..well done..
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Stunning. I was captivated through out the whole of the poem. The rhymes weren't forced, and the poem had a great flow to it. I love the theme of this poem, it's so sad and yet so breath takingly happy at the same time. Happy because the world knows with people like the narrator, not all hope is lost. It can definetely be a better place. And sad because the narrator needs the good too. But over all, I felt the pain, the compassion, I felt it all and THAT is exactly what a good poet does. They make their readers feel the words. I'm truly touched. I wouldn't change a thing about this poem. It is beautiful. By the way, I took your great advice for my poem and changed 'wade' into 'plunge'. Thanks for the advice and once again, I really enjoyed reading this poem. Great job. Good luck in the contest.
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Glory!
This is how I like to see all people....especially Christians reacting to such needs as a homeless person....etc ~
So many are afraid of them.....why?
So many can't humble themselves to leay a dollar in their basket or cup....why?
Some think.....they don't have the money to give.....yet they buy a $ 1.00 soda to quench their thirst 30 minutes later.....how do I know thsees things......I was once like that......Praise God I am no longer walking in those selfish shoes......the next person you meet, might be an Angel......thank you for sharing this......lovely message.....God bless you and good luck!
Bea ~
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This holds every good thing i have thought of your kind soul.
This is the essence of your heart.
My God if this is not how our lord taught us,
there is a place for you and those who give of themselves
so unselfishly.
It has always touched my heart deeply when someone gives what they had intended for their own use...be it food ...shelter.....love.
I am almost beside myself on this..
it touches on everything good that we all can be,
it had a Christmas feeling to it...
but the chosen ones need not a holiday to do Gods work.
Your sudden twinge is your abounding love for your fellow man......
Exquisite piece of Art.
There is an old Irish saying....
I make shoes for everyone,
but I still walk bare foot.
"Angel came down
from heaven yesterday,
she kissed my eyes
said i shall rise
to show the world
a better way" .
LOWELL POE
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"Give away all you have and come follow Me" said the Lord to the rich man.
An excellent poetic write.
Well Done & good luck in the contest!
You may want to check out the "Favorite Bible Verse" contest by Slightlyolder and consider entering it.
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VERY FABULOUS I NEED TO PRACTICE TO BE LIKE U I LOVE UR POETRY.
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