OUT OF REACH

 

OUT OF REACH

Penniless mortals bent with a cardboard sign

Words scrawled in need of food, shelter, work, money

Their life belongings stuffed into a pillow case beside them

Though afternoon heat is deadly, jackets on

Quite a few are women

Peeks of desperation

Fear for their existence

 

Do they willingly desert their families?

Or are they tossed out on filthy steps

Forever out of reach?

 

They move like nomads, to dwell out of the elements

And scrounge on busy street corners

 

My blood rushes when I encounter

All the rudiments of life dash before my reddened eyes

We are instilled to support those in need

And if we neglect

Our guilt spits out fire

Our offering, little as it may be, means the world

 

My dark memories of those who devour garbage

Sheds light on the essence of Beggary

while most of us thirst for naught

 

 

 

Author's Note

The painting is mine.....A beggar woman in Oaxaca

Reviews

[William Michael Reeves]

More and more get spit out, but don't land far as the saliva has dried, and they dribble down the chin of society. Used to be most homeless were there by choice. Not so much now. And we can't know their circumstances as they hide under their coats. This was a thought provoking poem

I like the art with your words. Do you present them together somehow? How are you posting that at the top of the poem? I haven't seen how that can be done.

[Betty Hermelee]

Really nice review WM, Thank you so much; I first put the photo up, then must fiddle with to get on top!!!
Best, B (try left click to move)

[Patricia Wedel]

the painting is lovely… the age of crossing over is ultimately a Rainbows 🌈 end to another dimension. We never know when we could become helpless… “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is true. gently, Pat

[Kim S.]

This is a very heart felt write, really enjoyed this. Once a week on Sunday's our church goes
out and feed the homeless. It's a mission I am on called "Under the bridge" I feel so much
for the homeless. It is so sad....

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Beckie for a lovely review! and for what you do for the homeless....
Best, Betty

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Betty,

Thank you for setting to pen of page this very heart felt and poignant piece of Poetry ... One must experience homelessness to every truly understand the plight of those who are homeless ... This, I have sadly done, and it is no picnic nor walk in the park as I attempt to reveal in my poems, Insanity Rules The Broken Heart and In The Pale Misty Morning ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Marvin for a very heartfelt review!
Best, B.

[Patricia]

Excellent art on both counts and on a subject near and dear to my heart. Amazing!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear P. I always love your reviews!
Hugs,
me

[Dave Brown]

another of how many of these types of issues
Sports stars and entertainers are the most visible examples
Humongous salaries, well beyond any reasonable requirement while at the other end, those with mental illness, physical disabilities, drug addictions, etc. are left pushing their shopping cart of possessions
You have caught it in her expression
On the other side of the coin I saw a cartooned beggar walking alongside a line of cars at a light and he was holding a Mastercard machine in one hand and pen in the other

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for a great review Dave!
BESTB

[Fran Marie]

you capture the plight and
desperation of the homeless.
in both painting and words
a well crafted and lovely illustrated
piece of poetry and art..well done

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your lovely review!
Best, B

[Fran Marie]

you're so welcome

[Lisasview]

How wonderful that you showed us all your painting for this wonderful poem... Your painting lends itself so well to your words...
So many beggars are not for real... I once saw a program about the corner street beggars in San Francisco... turns out they made an average of $450.00 a day!! and that was at least 20 year ago!!
Hard to know who is real and who is not.
Lisa, in hot Spain

[Betty Hermelee]

I totally agree Lisa, that's why I'm skeptical....
thanks for a lovely review....
Best, B

[Lisasview]

Hi Betty,
We all just need to be cautious...
You are most welcome,
Lisa

[Robert Haigh]

There are more homeless and displaced people than ever before, it seems. I sometimes give money to those who I think look genuine. I was in the nearby town of Huddersfield, a short distance from where I live, a while ago. It was early morning, and most of the shops had not even opened yet. It was raining, and a middle-aged man emerged from soggy cardboard boxes, by a shop front. He looked sad and pathetic, and had obviously slept there all night. I could not pass him by without giving him enough money to buy some food. He thanked me profusely and he was almost in tears. I couldn't stop thinking about him for days afterwards. There are some sad sights on our streets. A highly poignant poem, Betty! Top marks for the painting too!

[Betty Hermelee]

I know just how you feel; I'm always a bit ambivalent;
Thank you for a lovely review!
Best, B.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the painting is beautiful...real and surreal at the same time.
I am with John...it is a feeling often of being played.
I stopped in front of a Wal-Mart...guy with sign saying "I will work for food"---
I managed a restaurant back then...when I stopped he came over and I said "I can get you a job at our restaurant"
He snarled at me to move on...he just wanted a handout...it is so hard to tell...but in Carbondale, we have quite a few who are playing people...unfortunately.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

It is so difficult to tell, and that's why my mind always stumbles when I see a person beg. Thanks for the painting compliment!!!
Best, B.