Vince Suzadail Jr. Poet Rhyme

Until You'Ve Been There

Walking through the streets of the city
People passing, cold , avoiding, unfeeling
Wino sleeping in a box, what a pity
As you walk by, your senses reeling.

Until you've been there, don't be the one
Who sits in judgement on someone's son
Until you've been there,don't look down
On that man lying on the ground.

Keep on walking, heading into the night
See another, in rags he's dressed
Shake your head. Damn, it's just not right.
Could it be he's the one who's blessed?

Until you've been there and paid your dues
And walked that mile inside his shoes
Until you've been there and felt his pain
Judge not the man, be not so vain

Reach out for him, if you dare
Learn to feel. Learn to care.
Sometimes your heart will make you cry.
Until you've been there, you'll not know why.

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Vicki Acquah June 8, 2014 at 12:35 AM Nice concept, tho we should not judge another mans karma it's true. Some children when born, can get close to the heat, and when mom says HOT, they recoil. Other children have to get burned in order to realize what "Hot" means. This Poem certainly makes you think,and created dialogue. Thanks and congrats on your feature.

Carrie Richards June 7, 2014 at 9:11 AM A wonderful poem to be featured, Vince.......the strongest line is 'dare to feel.....dare to care'....... if only more would heed those words, perhaps there wouldn't be such despair on every street, in every city. Powerful words, Vince.

Diane Christian June 7, 2014 at 4:52 AM beautiful featured poem

Jerry Bolton June 2, 2014 at 2:59 PM Hah! I've been there, Vince, in spades. During what I like to call my two lost decades I walked the mean streets of America from New York City to Los Angeles and sundry stops in between. Cheated death more times than I like to remember. And you are correct when you say don't judge until you've been there. well, I was there. Most people on the street I discovered was there because they were weak. Most people where there BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO BE! I feel that is still the case. Playing the system. Vicki Acquah June 8, 2014 at 12:41 AM For some being there makes them stronger wiser and better, some will never learn. Few are victims of circumstances and generational Poverty, What ever the case maybe I have learned let each man endure his own karma without interference.I will help the disabled and also the children- because I cannot justify or rationalize any reason not to.

Gordon Mcconnell June 2, 2014 at 12:21 PM real strong piece finely penned with great rhyme and flow. well done Vince, this is speaking with care for the other persons perspective, Gordon