Derelict

He walks with a limp, dog in tow, lives on streets, 'neath an azure sky says, "Morning," with smiles as he goes Wears logo, "Like you, I could fly." but people compartmentalize. He's one of the derelict crowd, some say they must be disallowed. Kindness calls us to contemplate what they go through, no longer proud with mishaps, we may own same fate. Years ago, a life-drawing group met near spot homeless congregate. Some were asked to be model troup Honored, none seemed to hesitate, we had their plight to contemplate. Then we saw them as people are. yet all carried homelessness scar-- their eyes were sad, seldom wore smiles, pleased we chose them as our co-star. we learned: we have not walked their miles. February 6, 2023 For "Writing Challenge, D-Word" contest by Constance La France howmanysyllables.com First Place!

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Constance La France

Date: 2/21/2023 1:59:00 PM

Ann, a beautifully penned poem and congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge - D Forms, well done, blessings, Constance

Valsa George

Date: 2/12/2023 7:46:00 PM

Very compassionate thoughts ! Just by chance and God's grace we are well settled in life . Some happen to be derelicts... not always through any fault of theirs. They have to be seen as people who deserve sympathy and our help. A touching poem. Congratulations Ann on your first place.

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 10:00:00 AM

Dear Valsa, Thanks for your lovely comments! Not known as a nation that saves for rainy days, there are many, I feel, just one job loss from the streets.

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/11/2023 4:33:00 PM

Back with congratulations on taking first place; this is a really well-written piece that demonstrates both skills and knowledge...dear friend.

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 10:11:00 AM

Thank you again, dear Lasaad!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/11/2023 1:50:00 PM

Congratulations on this winning entry. Way to go. Sara

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 10:13:00 AM

Thank you so much, Sara! But for Grace, there I go...

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 2/11/2023 11:31:00 AM

Wonderful writing Ann, and good story-telling. Congratulations on your win! :)

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 10:17:00 AM

Thanks, Linda. The thing is, we don't know who street people once were. My friend has a 64-year old nephew, once brilliant, worked at Los Alamos Labs, now lives with his drugs on the streets. How does that happen?

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 2/11/2023 6:56:00 AM

- Sad ... and true ... a lovely poem ... congratulations on your win in the contest, Ann - hugs

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 11:16:00 AM

Thank you for your nice comments, Sunshine!

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 2/10/2023 6:02:00 PM

A wonderful poem Ann, imagine being without a home alike some and walking their miles, it’s horrendous what the homeless have to endure. Congratulations on your win in Constance’s contest… Belle

Ann Peck
Date: 2/13/2023 10:08:00 AM

Thank you, Belle, for your compassionate comments. My DIL, who lives in Albuquerque and has bad health issues with heart, lungs, kidneys, finds time, after work to take dog food, sandwiches, water and two $s to a homeless man and his dog.

Hilo Poet

Date: 2/8/2023 9:42:00 AM

Exclusiveness, to inclusiveness. I like the trail of your penning, Ann, toward its revealing conclusion. Beautifully done, and all my best, Aloha William

Ann Peck
Date: 2/8/2023 1:42:00 PM

Dear William, Thank you for your comments. My feeling is: how can we not know many of them were once us?

Elizabeth Mccann

Date: 2/7/2023 1:21:00 PM

I like your poem a lot. The progression keeps it fresh and the conclusion is satisfying. Some seem to think they can pronounce from on high. Perhaps I just don't know what their problem is. Elizabeth

Ann Peck
Date: 2/8/2023 1:38:00 PM

Thank you, Elizabeth. I went through some of my long-ago life-drawing sketches and found the homeless people, one a teenage girl. Already her eyes were sad and mouth firmly set. So very sad.

Suzanne Clear

Date: 2/7/2023 11:05:00 AM

No, we have not walked their miles,,,how can we feel we know? Anne, you know how to make one question their plight. Best to you, Anne......suzanne

Ann Peck
Date: 2/8/2023 1:48:00 PM

Thanks, Suzanne. Exactly. There will probably be a lot more on the streets after a few more months of these high prices.

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/7/2023 8:02:00 AM

A beautiful and meaningful poem, Ann! Your great imagery shed more beauty on this poem. Good luck with the contest

Ann Peck
Date: 2/8/2023 1:50:00 PM

Thank you, Lasaad! I just feel we should treat them more kindly.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/7/2023 2:32:00 AM

Ann, you wrote a wonderful poem. So many people are so unkind. Best for a win.

Ann Peck
Date: 2/8/2023 1:21:00 PM

Dear Victor, It's such a sad situation in our abundant land.

John Lawless

Date: 2/6/2023 3:49:00 PM

Nicely done Ann. The homeless are "invisible" to so many as they can't bear to see them.

Ann Peck
Date: 2/7/2023 10:05:00 AM

Thanks, John! It's a huge problem that keeps growing as we close our eyes.