Stopped In Seattle

He was as black
As the South African night
He was borne under

His jacket was red
Striking the contrast
Of his darkened skin

He was as poor
As a refuge of plagued lands
can be in America.

He stopped where I stood
Came too near
Asked of the story
He said was in my eyes.

I told him I had to go in
The boss was waiting for me
I lied.

He cut to the chase
His sister is still in Africa
Her HIV is getting worse
Can I spare him some change
to bring her home.

I muted my pessimism
The beer he would buy
The cocaine I would fund
And gave him what I had.


I hope he's all right.

Reviews

[Bubo]

Such a vivid descriptive piece, I am almost sure I have read before because I remember this, unless
i'm crazy............but the awful thing here is that we judge those asking for money, whereas we don't
really know their plight..............this stood out to me, the pain of seeing such poverty, and knowing it
has been going on for years and years..........and we often look back and wonder what has become of the
homeless man who asked for help.

[Zatoichi]

I've been on both sides of that dilemna. your poem is so vivid it plays in my mind. Z

[vanishing]

amanda- wow- i didnt expect this writing
to take the turn that it did- that is sadly
and skillfully projected- I love the depth
to know what it means to be empathetic
that is beautifully moving.
Lovely poem

[Lucinda Bogart]

Very moving....it pulls at the heart's tendons in a way that is particularly uncomfortable....which I'm sure it's meant to do. It's so hard to say no even if you have just a little to spare. God bless the tender hearted !!

[Celtic Cat]

Oh I know this place. For me, it was a young white girl sitting next to a cup, not saying a word. But the way she leaned over was like the embodiment of utter despair and I gave her $10. It is sad when some have nothing...and it's hard to tell a con artist from a true person in need. How do I know who to help? I don't. But sometime's I have some to give and care to give it, and sometimes I don't. The prayer is the important part, anyway....you gave him the best you could. Excellent write.
In response to The Vikings review.....not too long ago a man in the subway asked for some change and I offered him gatoraide and animal crackers which was all I had. He refused both so he must not have been too hungry...or perhaps just knew there wasn't much nutritional value in my snack! lol

[Wulfstan Crumble]

A moralistic dilemma. You wrote about it beautifully. Back in England i always buy a Big Issue when i see one but giving change to beggars is a really big moralistic issue. do we give and trust them for their stories or remain cynical. Many in England have urged people to give the money to homeless centres instead. but do they really solve the problem? We feel better to give the money rather than to refuse it...you did well and your good intentions shine through at the end. I loved how you described the whole scene in a beautiful, caring and subtle way.

[The Viking]

I just read another poem about the life of the homeless. How coincidental. Interesting view at how the mind works to someone generous enough to suspend the probability their money will be spent poorly and loans it to a beggar. I've seen so many in my day, that I've become rather selective as to who I lend money to. I remember one time I talked to a guy named Jim - all he asked for was a cigarette, never money. I talked to him for an hour, heard his story, and was moved enough by it to freely offer him $20.00. Another guy accosts me at blockbuster trying to act like he was just making friends, but I could tell through his body lingo he had an agenda. Sure enough he asked me for $5.00 to get a burger from burger king. I told him to get an application for employment there instead. The best thing to do is if someone asks for money, offer to buy them food instead rather than give them money. Anyways, this got long, but thanks for writing this and tweaking my recollections. It was most enjoyed. I'm also glad you're still posting your writing.

[The Archangel Gabriel]

Oh, my God! I met that I met that same guy, and he told me that it was two brothers that were in Asia with cancer that need chemotherapy in America. I have given quite a bit of money to people in such circumstances, and, like you, I hope that they are doing well. Regardless of whether they buy malt liquor or medical attention, they generally do not have the best living conditions. I think that I read a story about some of them that drive to about a block away from the street corner in Caddies, but I think that they are pretty rare.

Bless your heart!

-Gabe

[Robert Luna]

Thank you for reposting this. This was one of my favorite pieces and I am so glad to see it back. I love the feeling that this conveys of real life and capturing a moment in it that sticks out and was something to always be remembered. This will be going back into my favorites. Thanks


Great Job!!!!!!

[Captain Blackheart (The..]

A very good piece, I have to agree we often judge those we do not know, we fit them into stereotypical images who have pre-concieved. A great write, make me very thoughtfull.