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Such Heartbreak

"There but for the grace of God, go I"... based on a quote by John Bradford (circa 1510–1555) "There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford." Tears silently spill from my eyes, falling freely from my heart. They pool within my soul and reflect the hopelessness and desperation etched upon the faces of destitute people begging on the streets. I am abased. Compassion pleads for me to stop and offer them an empathetic hand. But I am weak... embarrassed, I toss some loose change and walk away. Hunger does not smile on an empty stomach, and the sun does not shine in the shadows. There are no happy endings to life's grim stories; society's rejects exist on scraps of charity and the bitter dregs of indifference offered by the hand of fate. My soul does not dwell in high places... it yearns for the company of urchins living on the streets. The intolerable loneliness and insignificance of their lives have left me overwhelmed and despondent, always on the verge of a tear. And my mood is one of melancholy and disappointment, for I've failed my fellow man, and my conscience shames me into admitting it.
sympathetic smiles and a compassionate heart... precious currencies

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 7/24/2019 1:43:00 PM
Back to say....Congratulations. I'm so glad you got a top spot with this wonderful poem.
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Emile Pinet
Date: 7/24/2019 3:40:00 PM
Thank you so much Jeanne, I appreciate it my friend, Emile.
Date: 7/24/2019 12:54:00 PM
Emile, congratulations on your win in my writing challenge with this emotional Haibun, I think it is amazing- well done !
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Emile Pinet
Date: 7/24/2019 1:17:00 PM
Thank you Constance, I appreciate it my friend, Emile.
Date: 7/21/2019 10:10:00 AM
Oh Emile...this is an amazing haibun. I love the haiku at the end. We each must do what we can...and all together is can help...especially voting for people who will fight for money to help or better housing or better wages...hugs to your heart.
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Emile Pinet
Date: 7/21/2019 1:15:00 PM
Thanks so much Jeanne, your kindness radiates through your words my friend, Emile.
Date: 7/20/2019 7:30:00 PM
very poignant...i too cannot just walk by them and offer up change, sometimes i buy them food if they are outside a food establishment...i always walk away feeling their sadness overtake me! Good one :) hugs
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Emile Pinet
Date: 7/21/2019 7:05:00 AM
Thanks Sandra, the world needs more people like you my friend, Emile.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things