L'Nass Shango Poet Free verse

Christmas Scene

So what is different
The vagrant limps across the careening snow
Scantily unkempt
From inside the bank with glittering glass
I watched him pass
Carried by the flow
Of that dilapidated mass
For whom tolls the jingling bell
And toll, and toll ignored again
My heart 
Shunning the superficial cheer
Left all I heard
Devoted to a pilgrimage of eyes
Where the fire glows warm
And hope gathers moth-like 
I see him push, and pushing through
Put out his arms to touch the tired flame
As though an angel had troubled it
Or perhaps a rudimentary manger
And Christ so far from it
While he sleeps secure on warm
On the bank floor
Under the beautiful Christmas tree.
I walked away
Full of grief and empty
While behind me toll, and toll again
The jingling bells of the Salvation Army.
O Mary, hail us not as Joseph in this despair
Nor magnify too much your feat
He too has swollen and blistered feet
And I volatile from the pilgrimage
Ask questions of my faith
Tell me, for all the change from manger to cross,
What is different now from then?

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Marty Owens December 19, 2009 at 7:24 PM Very nice poem...Enjoyed reading...Marty

Daver Austin December 19, 2009 at 8:46 AM A really fine piece, full of insight. Love, daver

David Byrne December 18, 2009 at 8:59 PM Very well written, it's cinematic, comes to life...........well done! David

Elaine George December 18, 2009 at 6:01 PM L,nass, I have witnessed these same scenes and asked myself the same questions.....All we can do is love and help those who need help ...help in what-ever way we can. Sometimes it makes makes me cry...like right now. Love, lainie

Doris Culverhouse December 18, 2009 at 5:04 PM enjoyed reading today, good story!

Audrey Haick December 18, 2009 at 4:25 PM Oh, L'nass you've dug deep as you usually do from that well of enlightenment! What is different now from then? Awesome job! Goes to my favs. Peace and love, Audrey P.S. I thank you for taking the time to read some of my poems and post those wonderful comments! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you,

Carolyn Devonshire December 18, 2009 at 10:57 AM Magnificent write, Shango, that reminds us how lucky we are to have the comforts of a roof over our heads and warmth in our hearts. One for my favorites, dear friend. I'm so glad you came back to Poetry Soup before the end of the year and hope you will continue to post during 2010. It may be difficult to have a Merry Christmas when those around us are experiencing the troubles you describe, but I do hope you'll find some joy this holiday season. Love always, Carolyn

Juliane Thomas December 18, 2009 at 7:11 AM Very moving and thought provoking poetry, L'nass. Simply beautiful, and addresses questions that also often cross my mind. Thank you so much for your comments on my poetry; they are appreciated so much! ~Juliane

Mary Meade Stephenson December 18, 2009 at 6:30 AM Poignant and powerful...very thought provoking and deep. Not much has changed as to how we treat each other ...sad that we have come so far in so many ways..yet, we as humans still lack the true essence of Christ. To love one another as we love ourselves. Thanks so much for this wonderful write L'nass and for sharing. Many thanks too for taking the time to read my writes and your always kind comments are much appreciated! God Bless! ~Mary

Anthony Nutter December 18, 2009 at 5:32 AM Your poetry never fails to provoke thought. Of course I have never read a poorly written poem by you. Excellent heart felt write. A. W. Nutter www.freewebs.com/abcedit

Sara Kendrick December 18, 2009 at 4:29 AM You post a good question here. In America this should not happen for we have programs to help people get better care than that. Keep the toughtfull and creative pen flowing. Sara