No Santa, company or empathy

A thought for those that sleep alone, outside, with mental health issues

Yesterday's news and Autumn's last his bedfellows,
these blown to his side by a chill northerly
whistling the same old bone chilling tune
that has arthritic pain dancing through worn, aching joints.
He knows he'll see not a soul today, Christmas day,
whereas tomorrow will see a tide of folk sweep through,
each one hell bent on increasing the overdraft to save a few pounds
on "stuff" neither needed nor wanted,
most of this then returned when the gluttonous hangover subsided
and sanity, normality, resumed.
On the plus side though, for a couple more days anyway, he'll be noticed,
not as some low life waster, a bum, down and out,
but as a charity case, a chance for them to feel good about themselves
as they toss loose change into his begging bowl,
this a damp, cheese stained Mac Burger box saved from a nearby bin,
it's half eaten contents greedily consumed, a gift from the garbage Gods.
But today, well today he will sleep,
and when awake he will converse civilly with his other self,
but only when not berating "him" for forgetting to order room service
or for not tipping the maid for turning down the bed and bringing clean towels,
as once this the norm'
before...

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I have a roof over my head & everything I need to eat, but definitely do NOT have the kind of warmth most people consider to be "necessary" for comfortable living. Lots of people are skimping on warmth these days (who didn't have to, most of their lives), but all we need do is remember those folks sleeping outside thru no choice of their own, & any "poor-me" outlook dissolves. You paint the homeless with a keen mix of compassion & unflinching honest truths. I would imagine it must be hard to be among those shopping mindlessly & obsessively, when one doesn't even have the means to buy a hot fresh burger (my thoughts summoned by your wretched description of a soggy box!) (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Thank you Margie.
Hope you are keeping safe and well

[Norman 223]

You have painted a vivid and powerful picture of these victims of an increasingly technological society, that fails to see that their quest for apparent wealth and prestige makes them blind to the needs of others who are the victims of their greed and indifference. Fortunately, there are still some with a conscience who do their best to help, but there is a physical limit to their individual resources.

Norman

[Gee]

A very belated thank you.
Hope you are well Norman

[Lorry]

You just never know the smallest, intricate detail that will sweep you over the edge at any given time. It's happened to better people than i, and will continue to do so, unfortunately. Just people who all lost something in life, including hope.
There but for the grace of (insert preferred deity here) " go we.
Its a long way back, and even longer thanks to goverments and society's disdain at ruining their moment. Its life to them.
Powerful words my friend. An apt reminder that people need our help all year round and not just the festive period.

[Gee]

The homeless " problem" seems to worsen with each passing year but nowt gets done to sort it out.read moreThe homeless " problem" seems to worsen with each passing year but nowt gets done to sort it out.
Cheers Lorry

[Robert Trakofler]

the rampant gentrification of pittsburgh has pushed the homeless further and further out of the city I work with a local group that relocates houses and feeds these souls finds them jobs and plugs them in to support structures many will leave the program (usually the ones that get hooked on street drugs from self medicating) but a precious few will start over once they get the proper support; medication, counseling and a good job and there self esteem comes back it is wonderful to see:) For many years I worked in the field job coaching and therapeutic staff and a bit of residential support so I have gotten to know many of these lost souls and they have made great impressions on me! these people that society allows to fall thru the cracks are valuable and viable and it is our collective shame that they ever are allowed to be left homeless every day my brother not just christmas indeed

[Gee]

The world needs more folk like you Robert.
Thank you for commenting.
Happy New year to you and yours

[Ken Simm.]

I was in Edinburgh last Christmas and the homeless sleep in the crypts in the vast necropolis of St Cuthberts church. Some had even got some decorations from somewhere and hung them from the ancient sculptures, angels and the like. Although the church had done loads to help. Kitchen facilities and a large screen to watch Christmas films to see those small bits of tinsel and the few baubles was incredibly moving. So is this poem. touching in its empathy.

[Gee]

Good morning Ken.
Thank you kindly for having a read and commenting.
Hope all is well with you.

[augustus]

Very topical subject you've chosen. With all the homeless sleeping on the streets it is apparent you are familiar with this sad story. Well written!

[Gee]

Thank you Augustus

[.]

A profound observational write, Gee....

I guess only those that have experienced such loneliness and homelessness at some point can truly grasp your message here, while most of us are enjoying the comforts that we take for granted. It's one of the big issues i have with my country; always so ready to splash the cash at the immigrating world, yet doing very little for those at home who truly need the help. A few dollars in a bucket at Xmas just doesnt cut the mustard.

A very poignant write, Gee. I hope you are enjoying your festive season with your family and the rampant dominance of the mighty Reds. Merry Christmas.

[Gee]

Cheers Doodley
Great result...YNWA...COME ON

[emmajoy]

'a charity case, a chance for them to feel good about themselves
as they toss loose change into his begging bowl,
this a damp, cheese stained Mac Burger box saved from a nearby bin,
it's half eaten contents greedily consumed, a gift from the garbage Gods.'

Words from a very large and empathic heart here, Gee. Seems the more civilised western countries have far less regard these days for the experience and wisdom of the elderly or sick of body or mind. Of course there are exceptions, but watch people pass by a a person curled up in an old blanket in a draughty alley in a crowded town, or see the conditions of so many in understaffed, overcrowded hostels, homes and the like. Tragedies kept under covers, kept silent, still and in shadows. UnChristian, uncivilised and an utter disgrace shown by those who 'walk by on the other side'.

[Gee]

Good morning ma'am
So, so many folk live in their own, safe, secure, selfish are bubble, me included at times.
Hope you have been enjoying the festivities.
Thank you

[emmajoy]

Yes, so many bubbles they're flooding the world.. but just now and again, someone escapes and works minor miracles, sir. All's fine except a lack of sleep. You're welcome. :)

[Gee]

I understand the sleep deprivation, the 10 month old pup wakes me between 4 and 5 every morning by leaping into the bed and smothering me...he is beautiful though so I forgive him :))

[emmajoy]

the world needs people like you! :)

[AYVID N]

A very sad life indeed. People eating from bins always gets to me. It should not be happening in today's world. A powerful write indeed.

[Gee]

Thank you Divya

[jacob erin-cilberto]

absolutely how it is...so much returned or thrown away by some, while others have nothing to begin with...or pray for the leftovers....just to survive.
Christmas for this person will just be a couple more newspapers from the Eve and Day...
powerful write.
j.

[Gee]

Thank you Jacob. We are an awfully self absorbed bunch nowadays