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Such Souls As These

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Christmas is over; everyone's partying, ushering in a new year, except for the unfortunate few who have no home. For them, there are no church bells of celebration; to ring in the New Year. They sleep in dirty blankets atop steam vents to stay warm. I can't imagine being them; it's hard to fathom the nightmares that haunt their meager existence. Invisible in plain sight, the cold seeps into their bones, crushing their spirits. Homeless, human dregs, they're the gargoyles of modern cities. Facing rejection and scorn, they preserve their dignity in alcohol, trying to numb reality. Hope is a luxury they can't afford. Winter is hell for the mentally sick living on the streets. Some have lost everything, even who they are as a person, and it's demeaning and cruel; what was their crime? Humanity harbors such souls as these at its fringes. Yet, when I look into their eyes, I don't see a hopeless cause, I see the same dreams and fears that I see in myself. And it makes me want to cry! Why are we so indifferent to their hurt and humiliation? Is our lack of pity because we're immune to their pain, or is it because, like Cain, we are not our brother's keeper? Perhaps it's a little of both!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 5/5/2018 9:43:00 PM
Loved these lines "Invisible in plain sight", "the byproduct of modern cities", "they preserve their dignity in alcohol". Belated congrats on your fine win, Emile.
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Emile Pinet
Date: 5/6/2018 8:32:00 AM
Thanks Line, your comments and support are most welcome my friend, Emile.
Date: 1/13/2018 4:04:00 PM
Such an emotional, sadly beautiful and heartbreaking poem you've penned Emile. You give a powerful and poignant voice to the plight of the homeless. Your fourth stanza was especially moving and stirred my soul in a very mournful way. Your brilliant write sheds a bright light on this somber topic. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Warmest wishes ~Susan P.S. a great title as well..
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Emile Pinet
Date: 1/13/2018 5:43:00 PM
Thank you so much Susan, I truly appreciate this in depth review, you possess a kind soul and it manifest itself in your writings my friend, Emile.
Date: 1/13/2018 4:03:00 AM
nothing sadder than being homeless on cold nights, great poem, thank you and congrats :)-luloo
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Emile Pinet
Date: 1/13/2018 9:11:00 AM
Thanks Laura, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in your contest my friend, Emile.
Date: 1/4/2018 1:17:00 PM
This is a really intriguing subject. Definitely one to ponder on. “Hope’s a luxury, they just can’t afford.” Brilliant!
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Emile Pinet
Date: 1/5/2018 11:24:00 AM
Thanks Anna, your comments and support are most welcome my friend, Emile.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things