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Cross Road

As he shuffled toward me I cringed. Ripped clothes and shoes with flapping soles had alerted me. I could actually see his sunken cheeks and lips clamped tight. What was he thinking? Me, dressed just so. Fancy hair, eyes aglow. What was he thinking? My purse clenched tightly. Do I cross to the other side? What was he thinking? Suddenly it came to me, flooding both my mind and my heart. I am so very sorry. I almost forgot that you are as human as I. I am so sorry. One thing for sure, apparently you are the stronger one. I am sure I could not live the life you must. What was I thinking?

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Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/11/2022 6:38:00 AM

We battle this all the time. We see the unpleasant to our minds…not wanting to be in those shoes…but how do we relate when we are face to face. I remember being jarred by a child’s face, so distorted, but he was like any other…sweet, smiling and I treated him thus. We must admit the unpleasantness…but we must have a hamble compassion…could be us…our loved ones. God help us in our dealings. Congratulations on your anthology entry, Virginia!

Virginia Gelok
Date: 1/11/2022 6:33:00 PM

thankyou on the congrats. I try very hard to see beyond whom I am looking at. I know in most cases there is a wonderful person hoping I will say hello or even just smile. Perhaps that will make thier day or turn a person around.

Franci Hoffman

Date: 6/7/2021 3:54:00 PM

Excellent piece, Virginia, and sends a very important message!

Virginia Gelok
Date: 6/8/2021 5:14:00 PM

I really hope it does. Our world has become a pretty sad place and we need more to think how they would live given the same deal in life. Thankyou for your comment.

Meghan Hutchings

Date: 6/3/2021 10:37:00 PM

Virginia, I love the way you wrote this poem and intertwined such an impactful message. I encounter these situations often, and I always end up helping because I cannot turn away, but people scold me and say I'm not careful. However, just as your poem portrays, who are we to judge or know what that kind of life is like? That's the theme of many of my poems, but I never attempt free verse. I'm inspired! Well, excellent work! Blessings...Meghan Hutchings

Virginia Gelok
Date: 6/5/2021 8:22:00 AM

and sorry...thankyou for your interest in my verse. I definitely will check yours out too.

Virginia Gelok
Date: 6/5/2021 8:21:00 AM

Good morning...it is such a sad world out there. I do think one must still be cautious and consider where they actually are. No matter where we see these people we really don't know their story and should not look our nose down at them. Good luck in your writings and keep safe.

Eve Roper

Date: 6/2/2021 5:32:00 PM

Cross Roads, very thrilling write and compassionate at the end. Enjoyed reading ,Virginia.

Virginia Gelok
Date: 6/2/2021 5:59:00 PM

Thankyou...and I hate admitting it but it is based on truth. My truth. Thankyou for the comment.

Ron VanHooser

Date: 6/2/2021 3:13:00 PM

Virginia, this poem has a potent message, one most of us have faced at one time or another in life. Thank you for sharing! Ron

Virginia Gelok
Date: 6/2/2021 3:36:00 PM

I still find I am hesitant as I am about to pass by, but I have never had to be afraid. Often, a brief smile and nod makes my (or even their) day!

Sandra L. Weiss

Date: 4/10/2021 10:48:00 AM

This has such a powerful message. You said it so well. A lesson for all of us. A great verse Virginia.

Virginia Gelok
Date: 4/10/2021 6:41:00 PM

Sandra, thankyou. I cannot tell you how many times I have "crossed the road". it has taken me many years not to be afraid. I worked in a hospital and had the opportunity to actually get to know a few wonderful street people through no fault of their own. I look at them much differently now.

J. Summers

Date: 3/23/2021 4:31:00 PM

Wow Virginia, loved the poem. You won’t believe how much it resonates with me. My grandmother’s brother was an author and a poet and he wrote one that is so in tune with yours. I’m going to dig it up and soup mail it to you. Have a good one. John