Richard Evans Poet Free verse

Eligibility Factor

it can be a market crash 
a global outbreak 
it can be a Mount Saint Helen
for me it was Northridge, California 
January 17th, 1994
I saw myself in the eyes of children
hungry, shocked, confused
clinging to mothers 
their reality and the earth 
both trembling underfoot
I was given no script, no rules to follow
all that was asked of me was empathy
to understand, to be one of God's children
to see nothing more became an eligibility factor
one man came bruised, bludgeoned
his stare a chisel to stone 
the truth echoing from his wife
her face, her words
the doors that he crumbled 
the force of his mission
to save neighbors 
dozens if not more
how he flew under media scrutiny 
sitting before me 
my heart the only thing between them 
and the miracle of sustenance
I became severed 
then placed the gift of humanity 
squarely at their feet

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Phyllis Babcock August 5, 2020 at 3:49 PM The power of nature that day but also shows the power of the human heart. Outstanding. love phyl Richard Evans August 16, 2020 at 2:02 PM Thanks Phyl! An unforgettable moment in this wee life. All the best....................peace!

Jennifer Proxenos August 2, 2020 at 6:58 AM You are obviously a kind, understanding considerate person 'then placed the gift of humanity squarely at their feet' you have already been blessed for that Ricky. Best wishes, Jennifer. Richard Evans August 2, 2020 at 8:54 AM Hey Jennifer. You are right. I don't have much but what I do have is truly a blessing. All the best.................peace!

Eve Roper July 25, 2020 at 9:22 AM I was only a couple of hours away from Mount Saint Helens when it decided to say its peace. The death of nature and white powder ash (glass) all over everything. Richard Evans July 25, 2020 at 9:30 AM Eve I was in Los Angeles and we got a bit of that ash as well. I stood in awe of the power of nature. Thanks for stopping bye...................peace!

Carole Duet July 2, 2020 at 1:03 AM I remember that day too, Richard, though I was far from it and I can see what a blessing you were to those in need...as this poem is a blessing to "the soup". Beautifully expressed ... Richard Evans July 3, 2020 at 4:05 AM Hey Carole. When tragedy strikes all that is left is the human spirit. Be blessed and be safe.

Joseph P. DiMino June 29, 2020 at 7:21 AM Wow! The Wow Factor. Now that is the nature and power of great Free Verse. The power to awaken sleepy minds, and, perhaps, change a few for the compassionate better. Love it! Richard Evans July 3, 2020 at 4:08 AM Thank you my friend for those kind words. All the best.................peace!

Gideon Foli April 22, 2020 at 12:16 AM We've all come in tattered penury pleading at the door of our maker to take away this global outbreak. A very impressive piece dear Richard. I enjoyed reading your poems this morning. Keep them coming my dear friend. Love and hugs!!! Richard Evans May 10, 2020 at 1:15 AM Thanks for the kind words my friend. The world today both inspires and frustrates me but poetry is one of the ways I deal with it. Thanks again...…...…...…...peace!