I Was Homeless Christmas 2003!
It was cold and freezing in the city of Denver.
A day in my life I will always remember.
The sound of sirens wailing all around.
The police had gathered near a body on the ground.
A man with no home froze there during the night.
It filled me with sadness to behold such a sight.
That day I was evicted, had nowhere to go.
I’m a native Floridian and not used to snow.
My first thoughts were fear didn’t know what to do.
I looked to the sky. “Lord, I’m counting on you.
” From nowhere a thought came to call the VA.
I dialed them while wondering, what would they say.
I’m in need of help please, is there anything you can do?
A woman gave me a number,
I called there and asked if they had a room.
“Not at this time, sir, but we expect one soon."
Tears filled my eyes as I hung up the phone.
I stood in the midst of many people.
Yet, I felt all alone.
You promised you’d help me, God, and supply all my need.
If ever I had one, Lord,
it is right now indeed.
A thought crossed my mind, saying, “Call back again.”
I redialed the number and said hello, this is Ken.
“I’m so glad you called back,” said the voice on the phone.
“One man reached his family, and now he is gone.”
‘You need to get here quickly. I can’t hold it too long.
” I said yes, ma’am, thank you, and hung up the phone.
I kept whispering thank you, Lord! With a smile ear to ear.
Feeling grateful to God as my destination drew near.
I smiled as I dropped my bag and closed the room door.
Clasped my hand, looked up, and my knees hit the floor.
First, thank you, Lord, for being there I did have my doubts.
When I think oh how you came through I just want to shout.
Two days later was Christmas, and I walked down Denver’s streets.
The city quiet, a blanket of snow, most people still sleep.
Up ahead stood a Hispanic man “MERRY CHRISTMAS!’ he said.
I thought he looked stupid a Santa hat on his head.
In the middle of a pity party, “Why so happy ?” I said.
“I’m new here just released from jail, and don’t have a bed.”
The answer made no sense that he had just given me.
“I might have nothing to show, but thank God I’m free!”
We walk down to the Capitol. Other homeless men were there.
They were laughing, sharing one six-pack like they didn’t have a care.
I was seated on the first bench closest to the street.
A young couple approached us with a bag full of treats.
She handed me some new socks and a bag of cookies too.
“Merry Christmas everyone, know that Jesus loves you!”
My eyes filled with tears, as they shared their love.
That kind of selflessness must come only from above.
On Christmas day, that young family could be anywhere.
Instead decided to sacrifice and show that someone cared.
A magical Christmas, the year 2003 it will always be.
The Homeless. The couple. My Lord, who cared and me!
Copyright ©
Kenneth Samples
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