Best Less Fortunate Poems
At long day’s end, our thoughts may stray
to where we long to wend our way-
a peaceful place where we dismiss
all things in life that are amiss,
and none are wont to cause dismay.
Our footsteps hasten us to this:
the warmth of hearth, the welcome kiss.
For those less fortunate I pray
a home sweet home they'll find one day.
Away to Vermont on a Dr's appointment. Coming back and riding the Ferry to New York my wife Judy and I decided to stop off at Panera Bread for lunch thru the Drive thru. I notice a man counting his few dollars by the drive thru. His long hair and beard caught my attention.
His face looked sunburned, and he looked withered and dry. Sadly I noticed that
his tan pants had a large brown streak down his rear side. Looking at this broke my heart.
As I went thru the drive thru I ordered an extra sandwich, a lemonade and chips. My wife looked at me not knowing my thoughts and said ,"Michael your hungry today."
As I came around after picking the food, I looked for that man. He had disappeared. I drove around on a mission to find him. At last, I saw him, he
had gone into the restaurant. I parked the car and told my wife what my plans were. She was surprised and was very supportive.
I walked through the door and introduced myself to him. I said I have
something for you. He looked up smiling and said, "God bless you." I said, "God bless you." I asked him where he was from and he said, " Willow Alaska." He shared with me he was looking for his parents in Upstate NY. He said he suffered
from mental illness and that he was a minister. While talking to this stranger I felt an incredible love resonating through him, it is hard to explain.
I said good bye my friend and felt guilty because I wanted to do more for him. His name was Robbie.
I shared the story with my wife and my brother Gus and they said that God puts angels in this world and Robbie might be an angel you cared for.
There is not a better feeling than helping someone in need.
I made a new friend today, a homeless man named Robbie.
I encourage everyone to reach out to those less fortunate and make a difference in their lives. Even saying hello, or asking them how they are doing. So many people are silently suffering, and any act of kindness will help them cope better. God bless those of you that do...
Michael Tor
6/12 2023
Who are the less fortunate?
What are their names?
Are they the crippled,
the blind, the lame?
Is a man in a wheelchair
lesser than I?
His heart may hold treasures
that no one can buy
Does a girl without speech
have nothing to say?
Is a boy without toys
unable to play?
Do eyes without sight
shed any less tears?
Does a man who is rich
get any more years?
Just who are the needy,
downtrodden and poor?
Can we tell by appearance
or something much more?
Is a person's value
measured in zeroes,
or can even beggars
sometimes be heroes?
And just what is richness?
How is it defined?
By bank account numbers
or diamonds mined?
Is poverty simply
the opposite end
of having a home
and money to spend?
I have known people
of very great wealth
yet broken in spirit
and so ill of health
And I have known others
with nothing of worth
yet so full of gladness
and given to mirth
Richness in money
can buy many things
but a heart full of joy
comes without strings
We would do well
with our lives to take stock
though many would find
they're in for a shock
For all of my wealth
am I truly free?
Is it everything
it was cracked up to be?
And then came the thought
which couldn't be clearer
Perhaps one less fortunate
is in my own mirror
As the holy season commemorates revelations of scriptures,
Sacred flame burning within, reinvigorates soul’s intellect,
Steering away from the fallible, toward realms of perfect,
Away from servitude of wealth, to caring for less-fortunate;
Empowering wisdom, vying sapience of enlightenment,
Inspiring collaboration in sanctity of spiritual exchange,
Rejecting overtures nescient, engaged in narrowness,
That confine humanity in fallacies unwitting, misguided.
In domains of self-reflection, repentance, and forgiveness,
Voice of indifference cedes to psalms compassionate,
As defective acts vow to mend ways, yearning for flawless;
Remorseful and empathetic, eying benevolence of solace.
From teachings of awakening, from sagacity of harmony,
Cognitive minds seek insights, transcendent in epiphany,
Propelling life toward enrichment in peace and congruity,
Vying spheres beyond the ordinary, edified in tranquility.
From sanctum of souls, depths of hearts, bells-pious chime,
Tolling expressions of kindness, echoing prayers sublime,
Celebrating precious gift of life, grateful for glory of divine,
As lanterns ethereal guide humanity, through reign of time.
It is now that time of year again when people start feeling festive
Kids write lists of pricey toys making parents feel apprehensive
Computer games and the latest phones, usually top their list
Enticing adverts on tea time television, make it harder to resist.
With rising costs many people, are struggling to make ends meet
Pricey toys parents would love to buy, but they still have to eat !
How do you explain to your kids about food banks and poverty?
In the background loan sharks lurk, rubbing their hands with glee.
Many succumb and take out loans getting heavily into debt
They purchase goods on the never- never until payments are met
All of this for just one day in the year, then months of misery
Then they try to keep the wolf from the door but fear insolvency.
So, try and explain to your kids that things may be different this year
And you don't have to be a millionaire to spread some joy and cheer
There are many ways to show your love and it won't cost you a dime
Be that shining light every day of the year and not just Christmas time.
But spare a thought for the less fortunate who are a lot worse off than you
The homeless, those caught up in wars, sadly there's nothing you can do
And as you sit down this Christmas day with your children's faces aglow
You might not realise this fact right now but you are richer than you know.
Because your family mean everything to you, they bring you so much cheer
They are more precious than silver or gold also friends you hold most dear
But remember this you're not on your own and we're all in this together
Try and look on the bright side of life and remember things will get better.
I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
I'm thankful for that.
I know the value of a dollar.
Everything I have I've had to earn myself.
I'm thankful for that.
I have a reason to hold my head up and be proud of my accomplishments.
I was born, raised and live in a free society.
I'm thankful for that.
I take for granted freedoms others only dream of.
I was raised to be charitable and to help others.
I'm thankful for that.
Otherwise I might look down on those less fortunate than myself.
I was taught not to be cruel and uncaring.
I'm thankful for that.
I could have become a very unkind person.
I am not wealthy. I work hard for everything I have.
I'm thankful that I can.
I'm thankful for good health, my job, my home, my car and all that I call mine.
I was raised to know there is a Creator and that He loves me and wants me to know Him. He already knows me.
And I'm Thankful For That.
This is me
This is who I am
Im not a girl of good fortune
Yes, I went to school
Yes, a two parent home is my origin
Ask
Is this me ?
My pride
My ego
I refuse to look down on those less fortunate
Why?
Because I'm less fortunate
No, not homeless
This is me
I lack the knowledge.
Knowledge to know how the world works
Blind to see people for who they are
Oblivious to the signs.
This is my silent killer.
The killer that roars loud in the end.
This is me
I try to hide.
Hide behind what isn't there.
Bring me from the other side,
Or kill me now for this I swear.
“A Missive To My Granddaughters”
My dearest girls,
How can I begin to tell you
how much your smile warms my heart,
or the enrichment that penetrates my soul
when I feel your arms embrace me?
With you, I am a girl again reliving my own youth
When you share each new life experience with me.
Once again, my own fervor for life springs forth,
As I listen to the enthusiasm that emanates from your cheerful chatter.
Your joy rejuvenates me.
Your smile pierces my heart and finds its way
To a special place reserved only for you.
Your zest for life gives me hope again for a better world,
And I thrive on your courage that abounds with each day that passes.
Please know…
That I have saved countless wishes for you alone -
A heart that is forgiving and true,
A mind that is forever open and exploring,
And the courage to face and overcome any obstacle.
I wish you a taste for beauty in whatever presents itself,
A flair of your own like no one else has ever experienced,
An infinite appreciation for all of Nature’s bounty,
And a magnanimous spirit for others less fortunate.
Please know that when I am gone,
I will be with you always in spirit.
Whether it is the sweetness of a Spring rain,
In the coo of a morning dove,
Or the scent of a summer rose,
You will be reminded,
And you will know
That I am there
With you
Watching
Waiting
Until we are together..…again.
It’s 4:00 A.M.
and my alarm clock rudely awakens me.
As I wash my face, I look in the mirror I ask,
“Why do I do this? I don’t have to,
and there are so many things I’d rather be doing.”
As I am leaving, I kiss my still sleeping wife on the forehead,
and I am reminded of the answer to my question…
I do this to give my family whatever in life they wish.
As dawn breaks,
I make my way across town in heavy traffic.
The news on the radio dulls the monotony of my commute,
“…hot and dry today, the Yankees beat Boston 5 to 4,
unemployment reaches a record high as more families face poverty.”
Hearing the news I am reminded of the things I was taught
when I was growing up; we must always do what we can,
and help the less fortunate; that is part of being a good citizen.
At the office,
my day unfolds and it’s work as usual.
Suddenly my day is interrupted by the ringing of my phone,
“This is Bob. My wife has died unexpectedly,
I need your help, your advice and support.”
Hearing this I recalled the hard times I’ve suffered in my life,
and the friends who were there by my side to give me support.
We must always be there to give strength when needed to those we love.
It’s 10:00 P.M.
As I wash my face and get ready for bed, I give thanks for my many blessings.
June 4, 2018
I am a child
Like the one you tuck in bed
The one you kiss on the head
The one who gets loved instead
The one who is so well fed
I am a child
I am a child
Like the one who gives you joy
Your pretty girl and fine boy
The one who gets every toy
The one who none dares annoy
I am a child
I am a child
With no home to call my own
The cold reaching to my bone
Hunger pangs, all that I’ve known
In tattered clothes, I have grown
I am a child
I am a child
The pavement my only bed
Dreaming of a piece of bread
With a small heart full of dread
My life hanging from a thread
I am a child
I am a child
With no gifts beneath the tree
With no hope to be set free
Wanting like YOUR child to be
Why, oh, why, can’t you love ME?
I am a child
I am YOUR child
I am GOD’s child
Remember me this Christmas….
Eileen Manassian Ghali
I'm privileged that Norma Nashid, founder of Restore a Child, has asked me to be an ambassador for the organization to help raise awareness of the plight of less fortunate children around the world. She asked me to write a poem for their newsletter, and I am sharing her FB post regarding it here with you.
(The poem below was written by Eileen Manassian Ghali, a professor of English at Middle East University in Beirut, Lebanon. She dedicated her poem this Christmas to Restore a Child. Her mother, Angel Dikran Manassian was my favorite teacher and my first teacher in school. Now I get the honor of enjoying the beautiful writing of her daughter, Eileen.--Norma Nashed)
If you are interested in finding out more about this humanitarian organization, please look them up on FB. I will be writing an article soon to highlight the plight of Syrian Refugee children in Lebanon. I hope my Mama would be proud of me!
restoreachild.org
http://ymlp.com/zMiueR (latest newsletter)
https://www.facebook.com/RestoreAChild
My poem will be published in the next edition
My mother thinks I'm a doctor
I just don't have the guts
To tell her I spent all my college doe
On beer, wine, women and such
So after I faked my graduation
Said I was moving to the South
To help the less fortunate among us
Another lie I let slip out
I'm now in the south of Florida
Where some may call me a bum
Living in a citrus grove along the coast
Not answering to anyone
It's really not such a bad life
This do nothing life I've made
I hear my Moms proud of me at afternoon tea
Telling the girls of all the lives I save
I do my share of dumpster diving
That's where I got the idea
Behind a real doctors office one day
With some of their stationary I nabbed
I did a little doctoring
After all I do play one in Moms mind
Doesn't look to lame where I inserted my name
Then wrote my Mom about the kids and the wife
I've created such an elaborate charade
It's now gotten all out of hand
As I panhandle my way up and down
The Sunshine states surf and sand
Mom now says she wants to visit
Can't wait to meet the wife and kids
Don't know how I let it get this crazy
And how it all lead up to this
Now I'm scrambling to find a vacant house and a woman
With a couple of kids that look just like me
That can go along with a ruse for a week in mid-June
Since I told her that's when I'd be free
I'm thinking I should of studied in college
Instead of being this mind numbing huckster
Telling lie after deepening lie
Just so my Mother would think I'm a doctor
Poetry of my inner museum penned by keys,
to express the prelude to my anxiety and agony.
A panic to release my frightened barbed mind,
no longer to live this awful innermost state.
Uttering my release of grim gruesome emotions,
and my inner light and dark of my moon,
My secret knowledge deeply hidden and annoying,
opening the tunnel clearing all that is opaque.
Now optimistic I strive to remain victorious,
my oval eye to scan for my minds inner pride.
My right to build my own minds monolith,
no longer patronise and wound me in my plight.
In control, again to be whole not scattered,
in my life that was less fortunate and vindictive.
Avoid dark, a path threatening to destroy my soul,
move to the bright light away from the vicious, and
towards a new beginning, finally living and happy.
We are all a product of our environment
Under different influences
Each one of us could have been a terrorist or a man of God
A President or a homeless person sleeping in the street
It's the luck of the draw... or is it
Are we not in charge of our own destiny
Can we not overcome the trials that life has in store for us
To become an upstanding individual to be proud of
Whether rich in monetary terms
Or just rich in the ways of living
The ability to reach out and change someone's life
To make another person happy
Is there any greater reward or feeling of satisfaction than that
They say everyone was put here on earth for a reason
Whether it's a lofty world changing event
Or just an act of kindness towards those the less fortunate souls
It matters not, we have made a difference
So next time you question your purpose here on earth
Just remember... even the simplest act of kindness
Is richly rewarded and never forgotten
Next time you venture out and it's pouring down with rain
Spare a thought for the less fortunate before you complain
Be grateful that you can see and feel its natural beauty
Those who are sight impaired will never see what you see.
Listening to loud claps of thunder that boom in the sky
Hearing sweet music or your newborn's first cry
Those with hearing impairment will never hear those sounds
Or the soothing sounds of nature that everywhere abounds.
We take for granted a walk in the woods or a stroll on a beach
But for the less able these things are way out of their reach
Or cycling along a country lane that many of us can do
Disability for many means they're not mobile like you.
Life often throws up problems and things don't go our way
But there are many others who face huge problems every day
Many overcome their disabilities and are a great inspiration
So, look on the bright side when faced with a difficult situation
So, if you can offer help to someone do so if you can
Make someone's day be it a child, woman, or man.
It has often been said that your well-being is your wealth
You are richer than you know if you've got excellent health.
The Only Way Life Makes Sense
Life only makes sense if we can relate it to values which last
Think of people who have meant something to you from the past
Parents, siblings, friends, teachers
Jesus,marriage partners and preachers
All their influence on us is vast
Remove one person, we would be different
Maybe less fortunate if asked
Seeking fame and fortune as goals you most cherish
Many wealthy and famous sought this
Then through suicide or overdose perish
God's love for us through Jesus is what makes life make sense
Being kind and loving to others even at our own expense
Life makes sense if someone might think of us one day
Grateful in their life we passed their way
Sharing relationships, love, blessings leave lasting impressions
To both the giver and receiver more valuable than any possessions