Real Hunger

Real hunger knows no holiday,
no picnic in the shade.
It doesn't stand first place in line
when cookies have been made,
or fill its plate up to the edge
with what the earth provides.
Real hunger sifts through trash and says,
"what we find we'll divide."

Its face is bleak, and gaunt, and hard
from shadow, want, and strife.
It knows the signs hunger displays
that mean the end of life.
Real hunger lurks in alleyways
and under bridges wide.
It hikes through stormy weather for
warm shelter that provides.

If hunger stared gray-faced back from
your mirror on the wall.
Would you then feed the needy, make
a pledge, or give your all?
Proclaim it from the rooftop and
in silence be it prayed.
Let's make a place where all folks share
a picnic in the shade!

                               8-12-15
                               Real Hunger





















;/.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
December 10, 2015 at 9:15 AM
I seem to keep coming back to this one. Well worth reading again.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 15, 2015 at 7:40 AM
I really enjoyed reading this one again. Sorry to hear of your difficulties, I'm glad your on the road to recovery.
Baumgarn Avatar
September 21, 2015 at 12:20 AM
I just made it back to work after, like five weeks, thanks for your sentiment. It means alot, Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2015 at 10:25 PM
This is beyond good, exceptional piece my friend.
Baumgarn Avatar
September 14, 2015 at 4:00 PM
Thanks, Richard. I just signed on for the first time in nearly five weeks. Got sick as a result of a fall at work. Knee infection and had pretty serious surgery. Now three weeks into recovery. I am changing a few words on this as I thought about it in hospital. Be Blessed, Richard
Deremer Avatar
August 12, 2015 at 9:42 PM
Very nice! Thank you for sharing.
Baumgarn Avatar
August 12, 2015 at 11:07 PM
Thanks, so much, for reading and commenting, Pam. Have a great day!
Allison Avatar
August 12, 2015 at 5:23 AM
So powerfully penned Brian - I am away from in Dublin at the moment - the amount of homeless people I am seeing in the streets is oh so sad - yet in contrast in 19 years on our Island I have only seen one visibly homeless person:-( Hugs jan xx
Baumgarn Avatar
August 12, 2015 at 11:10 PM
Hi, Jan, and it is true. The city I live in is around 170,000 and we do a great job of caring for the needy. But still, when I go to work at night I see people rummaging for food. I feel very fortunate myself. Thanks for reading and commenting. Be Blessed
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