Don't Get Too Close

You see an old woman sitting there

her blank eyes fixed, her cold feet bare

a dirty canvas bag flung over a chair,

but why should you stop

and show that you care?

 

A family of four makes their home in a van.

Their supper consists of just beans from a can.

No heat will they have to warm their cold hands,

but why help them find

a safe place to land?

 

A young man walks the streets at night.

He’s learned how to beg, he’s ready to fight.

His threadbare jacket too thin and tight,

but why worry if

 he greets the daylight?

 

Don’t get too close. Don’t take a stand.

You might think it contagious to reach out your hand.

Why bother to share with a poor fellow man

whose life has been built

on wet sinking sand?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

I have been spending time recently in a very low income housing district and wrote this poem to vent some of my frustration. Sorry if it comes across a bit harsh but just so you know I am also 'talking to myself'.

Reviews

[Pete]

You've captured the plight of the homeless very well here as well as our indifference to it. "You might think it contagious to reach out your hand."

[Dara]

Yes, it is a terrible state of affairs. I think it would be good if everyone had a chance to experience being homeless one time to see how it really feels. Thanks so much for your read and comment,

[Pete]

Actually, I am homeless - I know first hand.

[Dara]

I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you are managing ok and finding relief somehow.

[B. Boileau]

A magnificent piece about an all too often ignored subject. Poignant with excellent flow through out.
Your words are not harsh at all, youv'e captured the issues of the unfortunate souls in a vivid picture, in fact this piece demands an encore. Of all your work Ive read so far, this one touches home. I suspect the sleeve you wear your heart on is the one you use to write with.
bill

[Dara]

So sorry. I just realized I had read this wonderful review awhile back and forgot to comment. Your words warm my heart. Thank you very much!

[Bobbie Coelho]

I think this is a fantastic poem: it makes you think. Well done.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. We can only hope a change is coming one day but things look so bleak at the moment.

[emmajoy]

Tis not harsh... tis LIFE.. tis life for so many and -too many hidden in places we don't dare go.

Thank you for posting your words, for reminding us that whilst we sit comfortably at our pcs and lappies, many can't afford a newspaper to keep them warm at night.

[Dara]

Yes, it is just too easy to forget that somewhere right this minute people of all ages are bedding down in some cold, dark, forbidden place. Your words and support mean so much, Emma Joy. Many thanks friend!

[emmajoy]

I feel your words, deeply. Have scribbled similar.. but, reading you has reminded me to remember.

[....................]

gosh, such a heart-wrenching look at how we avoid those in society we deem unworthy of our love and support...yet, I sense your empathy shining through, my friend...and what a beautiful Ralph McTell song to accompany it ( i play this song a lot)...well-done!!

[Dara]

Many thanks for your kind words and support, FT. Poetry is not only a means to express but a wonderful way to spread the word. I am so pleased that people are reading and responding to my message. Take care!!

[....................]

:) you are doing a great job, Dara!!!

[Briana]

This was exactly the right kind of harsh. Why should you be kind to those who forget to offer the same? My mother raised me on nothing, fought for every bite of food I took. Sometimes even someone whose been there can forget that feeling.

[Dara]

Thank you Briana. So often it takes more than just a "walk in someone else's shoes" to make a difference. It is so nice to see a new face on my page as well. Your read and review are so greatly appreciated!

[Aella Magne]

I think it's a wake-up call for everyone. It made me think of the unfortunate people we see out on the streets and our common response to them: which is ignoring them or pretend we don't see. It's a taunt and a poem that I think can make a difference when read by people who just needed a little boost or sign or encouragement to start helping others and not fear being labeled as somehow 'different' by doing so. Thank you for sharing this! I think it's great.

[Dara]

Thank you so much Aelia. I wanted to make a point and your description fits perfectly with my intentions. Well said dear poet and so appreciated!

[Samuel Dickens]

You already know about my early life of poverty, so these scenes you so skillfully paint are of great concern. How ironic that so many who wave a Bible look down their noses at the poor. Apparently, they've never read the book they carry.

[Dara]

You are so right Sam. Too many people professing to be "Christian" but obviously have not walked in those shoes nor care to reach out. Your input and reviews mean so much. Many many thanks!

[Gee]

Love that song......empathy,compassion are a fast diminishing quality in so many,always to busy.A very good piece of poetry

[Dara]

Roger Whittaker was one of my favorite singers back in the day. So nice to see you here and thank you so much for your generous comment!