I am Human

When I first saw him
Standing on a street corner
He was wearing a sign around his neck
It was simple, white heavy stock paper
Written on with black magic marker.
I never got close enough to read the sign.
I walked passed on the other side of the road
Careful to avoid an uncomfortable glance.

Yesterday I saw a student in the library
He wore a sign around his neck, 
The writing facing his clean pressed shirt;
A social experiment 
To see how long people would hold 
His gaze before reading the sign on his chest.

I observed this for an hour 
And wondered at the awkwardness
Before I took my turn and stared into his eyes 
For a solid minute, I thought about the man
On the street corner who I see every day
But have never looked at.

I reached out and turned the sign on the student's chest
“I’m Human,” is all that it said.

Reviews

[Relic]

I see a guy all the time with a homeless sign. I've given him whatever change I could.

I am human says a lot. It means dignity, and that's a word that we all want to feel inside.

Good poem.

Like you, I too wonder why more haven't reviewed this more. The present state of WC is all too quiet.

[James]

It's like that everywhere. I post on a few sites and they all have gotten that way. I'm glad you liked this one.

[Island Hippy]

A very powerful poem! I am human says I am your brother and beneath my clothes we are made of the same things. There's integrity in the simplicity of those words. I have seen homelessness in many places and it's confronting and I like to give what I can when ever possible. My husband and I have lived out of backpacks for the last 7 years working for volunteer services abroad and many many times we have been blessed by the kindness of strangers. Mahalo for this awesome poem. Izzy

[Someday Shine]

When reading this I can feel the expressions I make every day passing homeless people. Wishing I could help but not really doing anything to do so. A conundrum I think we all feel. Well done.

[Someday Shine]

I might add to engage in conversation - what do you think we should do?

[James]

What should we do? Treat everyone the same. I'm glad you enjoyed this one too.

[Someday Shine]

Sure thing. I think that's an idea that no one can argue with. I meant more when we see people in need? Most of us (myself included) just walk right past. How can we be better? Something I've often wondered

[James]

I wonder the same thing

[B]

Funny how selfish humanity gets
The social experiment reveals all
And we are all human
The silent ones and the talkative bunch
We all need to be looked at every once in a while

Great Write ..... two thumbs up !!!

[James]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked this

[Pete]

i enjoyed this. actually, i think about things like this all the time. most of us live life in a vacuum, not paying attention around us as we go about our busy lives. life is too complicated and we are pressed for time and then there is technology - all of which dehumanize us. nice, thought-provoking write.

[Papaya]

This really touched my heart, I see homeless all the time in downtown Toronto. I read the signs. Some are very sad. But those two simple words are so impactful. Wow.

[James]

We have a lot here, too. Wilmington is kind of the homeless capital of NC. I'm glad this one touched you.

[Tazeen Ahmed]

I see a great story teller!
"I am human" is a powerful sentence to explain wider meanings.
The irony is that you found the person 'awkward', whereas the person suggests himself to be a "human". This explains the theme o' the wonderful poem.(correct in case I'm wrong)
"I walked passed on the other side of the road
Careful to avoid an uncomfortable glance."
I like this one.