Homelessness
Hand written cardboard signs
Held up by soiled hands
Asking for food, for change.
New to the game and still clean
Rookie looking like
He just went out for a walk
Stood curbside
Taking tips from the veteran.
His anguish ridden face
Spoke volumes.
No huddle necessary
Just teamwork setting up for the play.
From one car to the next
Some give some don’t.
I was ready this time.
$2 and a bottle of water
Was all I had to give,
Then the hand off.
Grateful thanks given in return
Just in time before the light changed.
The Veteran’s pep talk to the rookie
Faded as I drove off:
“See? That’s all you gotta do.”
Burrowed itself deep within me.
I’ve learned that each trip I make
Over the bridge presents
An opportunity to help another.
Especially when I’m on my way
To help others that have,
But need just a little more
To get them through.
So if I can’t make the play
At the first light,
I know I’ll make it at the next one.
They’re all over the city.
Seeing so many different faces
Is an all too familiar a reminder
That there are NO exemptions.
Homelessness doesn’t discriminate.
But we can make a difference
Because one day this could be us.
Proactively using your heart
Whether it be today, tomorrow
Or the day after will prove
To make a world of difference
In the lives of the less fortunate.
If you know someone
Helped you along your way
And you’re doing okay
It’s just as easy to give
To help someone else
Get back up in whatever
Way you can.
That’s all you gotta do.
Proverbs 21:13 - Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
9/18/19
Copyright © Juanita Smalls | Year Posted 2020
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