Home » Poems » Carolyn Devonshire » Would You Walk Past

Would You Walk Past

He stands at the side of a traffic-filled road where pedestrians on the sidewalk are rarely found. His spelling is poor; it takes time to decode. Rings ‘round his eyes show the sorrows he’s drowned. His cardboard sign has been streaked by rain, but we know he’s asking for empathy. By some he’s regarded quietly with disdain; others open mouths, not hearts, to express enmity. Would Christ have cast this humble man aside? How is it so easy for passersby not to share the burdens of one so denied and the principals of Christianity misapply?

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Carol Sunshine Brown

Date: 11/3/2011 7:32:00 AM

Congratulations on your win in Paula's "Do You Know The Cardboard Man" contest Carolyn. Love, Carol

Don Johnson

Date: 11/2/2011 9:02:00 PM

good bloody point kid...

David Williams

Date: 10/25/2011 8:04:00 AM

hey Carolyn great write very touching, good luck in the contest..Love david..soup mail

Elizabeth Wesley

Date: 10/24/2011 3:36:00 PM

Tragic state of affairs and more people find themselves in a state of want then the rest become immune. Difficult times we live in Carolyn. Always great to read your thoughtful verse, speaks to each of us personally.

Jslambert Mister Roboto

Date: 10/24/2011 4:31:00 AM

this reminds me of the "Man with the Golden Voice" ...a homeless man from Ohio last holiday season who made it on youtube for his terrific talent of possessing an amazing "DJ Voice" I enjoy poetry the most when it makes me have a good feeling. This piece did this to me. I have been trying to stay alert as possible recently. Do you ever notice the change of the clouds lately. It used to scare me though I have grown to accept it. I wrote a poem called HAARP that you may like. Even if you don't comment I understand, but you may like it anyway.

Tim B

Date: 10/23/2011 6:02:00 PM

So sad, I hate when I have to do this myself but the truth of the matter is I very very rarely carry any cash or food with me. As I think is the case, at least I hope is the case for most of the people that pass by. The only thing I have then to give is kind words and I try to do that as much as I can. It bothers me tremendously that I can not do more for them. Well written poetry though Mrs. Carolyn, it made me very emotional. Good to see you still writing as well!

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 10/23/2011 3:20:00 PM

I love this poem for people turn a blind eye and know nothing of the circumstances that brought the cardboard sign guy to this state. We have to open our hearts and take care of our fellow man who are less fortunate. We do not do enough. soup mail. love phyl

Michael J. Falotico

Date: 10/23/2011 1:54:00 PM

A very good write on a sad topic.. And great question at the end... Thanks for the heads up on the Publishing deal... All proof reading done by a family editor.. It is an exciting part of my life now... Thanks for all the kind words of yours, they mean the world to me....love Michael

Wilma Neels

Date: 10/23/2011 12:46:00 PM

A gentle reminder of the need or reason why people end up like "the cardboard man" we sometimes forget that they were not always in the situation they are in.. A compassionate write Carolyn, wishing you all the best for the contest.. love Wilma

Jack Horne

Date: 10/23/2011 5:57:00 AM

Sweet compassionate piece, my friend. There's a chap in Plymouth who pushes a supermarket shopping trolley with all his wordly goods, and apparently he's got thousands in the bank (a friend knew him). There certainly aren't many like that, though.

Fabiyas M V

Date: 10/22/2011 9:36:00 PM

Beautiful penned on the cardboard man.This is so exceptional and original in its style ,friend.Excellent thoughts as well.It is a great entry to the contest.Lovingly,FABIYAS M V

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/22/2011 7:35:00 PM

WELL DONE, with much compassion, Carolyn.

John Smith

Date: 10/22/2011 5:51:00 PM

These days he could be any of us. Well writ.

Nancy Jones

Date: 10/22/2011 5:48:00 PM

Wonderfully writ, strong message. Who gets it that no child ever responds to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with "A beggar." Is a difficult life for many most beautiful humans. Thanks for the write, Carolyn, beauty eve to ya. Namaste~N

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/22/2011 2:56:00 PM

Good work for the contest..Reads like a winner to me..Good luck in the contest.Yes, sometimes the beggars are not just beggars but people with real problems that need handling...Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting on my work..Sara