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BY THE STREET LAMP

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BY THE STREETLAMP
Poem written for SENSE OF TASTE POETRY CONTEST, Nette Onclaud, Sponsor July 28, 2025
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she hunkers by the streetlamp wrapped in a tattered blanket lost in the cracks of concrete swallows tangy bitterness bitter brew of circumstance choking on acrid despair savoring sweet solitude

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 7/29/2025 3:14:00 AM
Your beautiful poem addresses loneliness, sorrow, and the harsh realities of neglected people. It depicts a homeless person in loneliness and resignation. Bitterness and solitude reveal a complex relationship with their circumstances, stressing the conflict between misery and brief consolation. Best wishes with the contest dear Sara.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/29/2025 4:16:00 AM
I'm grateful for your visit, Sotto, and for your understanding of my poem...I saw a homeless person last week while in downtown Dallas. She was the inspiration for this poem. Her situation just 'tasted' sad.
Date: 7/28/2025 10:16:00 PM
I couldn't make a guess of what Nette meant by that contest. But as I read your your poem, I get a clearer idea, though I am not sure if your poem matches to her requirements. Dear Sara, you have painted a heart wrenching scene. The sight of the homeless, sitting under street lamps with no warm clothes on and exposed to the chill of the night and the fury of nature should make us humble and less complaining. Beautiful small poem.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/29/2025 4:17:00 AM
thanks for visiting, Valsa, and for your comments. I'm not sure this poem meets the requirements. I saw a homeless woman last week; her situation 'tasted' bad, hence the inspiration for this poem. Seeing her was gut wrenching
Date: 7/28/2025 6:40:00 PM
I like the way you depicted both the bad and good of the street person's predicament, Sara. Good luck in the contest! Your Westside Writing Bear, Bill
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/29/2025 4:18:00 AM
thanks for visiting & commenting my Westside WRiting Bear. You're the best, hugs, me
Date: 7/28/2025 6:09:00 PM
Sara, feels like a depiction of a homeless person. A lot of attention has come up regarding this phenomenon and we'll see if the proposed solutions actually do help. I'm referring to making homeless encampments illegal. I'm hoping that in that case, mental health facilities can keep up with the influx they will experience. Take care!
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/29/2025 4:19:00 AM
thanks for stopping by, Duke. I agree-the homeless phenomenon is growing and needs positive legislation & outcomes. Witnessing homelessness first hand is gut wrenching. Best wishes, Sara
Date: 7/28/2025 5:42:00 PM
Heart-wrenching... One can only ask why? Well-depicted, Sara. Felt her pain all the way. ~ Gershon
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/29/2025 4:14:00 AM
thanks for visiting, Gershon, and for sharing the effect of my poem....exactly what I was going for. Appreciate you; enjoy your day, sara
Date: 7/28/2025 5:17:00 PM
I wonder what Nette is up to now though I can make a guess based on the contest title and your poem contents. Your imagery painted a picture, a bleak one with a kick - finding solitude sweet. But such a description is right on in many cases, wish I didn't know that, but I do because of my precious Brother's bi-polar journey. Good job! Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/28/2025 5:38:00 PM
thank you for your insightful comments. I'm grateful you appreciated the 'kick'. I usually don't write something 'dark,' but I saw a homeless woman this morning, hence the poem. Bi polarism is a tough journey. Thank you for your visit, poetry hugs back at you, Sara
Date: 7/28/2025 4:54:00 PM
I often wonder how people survive on the street. I have had the odd night out in the cold...not a pleasant experience. Nicely penned. :) john
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 7/28/2025 5:33:00 PM
I wonder the same thing, too, John. Seems like an unfathomable choice for folks to make. Thanks for visiting and for your positive comments, wishing you a pleasant evening, Sara

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