If Your Face Doesn't Fit

In an ice splintered twilight

Sits dark in the gloam'

A bird on a wire

The others have flown.

Perhaps they've migrated

And left it alone?

So I think of the city

And its burnished, bright lights

And the plight of the homeless,

Forgotten at night,

As they huddle for cover

And keep out of sight.

I ponder on faces

Of the Mothers who birthed,

the ones who have nothing

on this cold planet Earth,

And the lesson I've learned,

If your face doesn't fit,

your prospects and future

Are worthless as spit.

Reviews

[willweb]

At the end there I thought of another word that rhymes with spit that would fit as well but I think I will keep it to myself. Very sad Chris and the saddest part is, it is true. I don't believe any mother gives birth to a child with the thought they will end up homeless, but maybe I am wrong. I love the title of this as well, Very cool.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much will for your thoughtful review. I know full well the word you were thinking of and I was sorely tempted to use it! So many homeless and for a multitude of reasons. It is shameful in my opinion. This is an old poem so I am more then grateful it has had an airing. Have a good day.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a sad tale and unfortunately there are too many homeless people in the USA and around the world.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Poetic Beauty for sharing your thoughts. Appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Truth lives in your words, Chris. Whatever happened to a giving, sharing and civilised society? Your words positively weep down the 'page' in emotionally fine language which, by rights. shouldn't need to be said. Perhaps the weather is in fact. trying to wash Mankind's sins away.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em for calling and leaving your thoughts. We have become heartless and have lost focus on what is important in life. It makes me mad as well as sad.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Too many guesses and not enough exchanges: that's the programme these days. In some cases, even friendship is second class these days.. for and by some. But, guess the people who truly matter are thereby allowed that little extra?

[Kent Rawski]

Very poignant poem on those less fortunate written with conviction beautifully illustrated by harshness of nature but you have a knack for that

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kent, I appreciate your thoughtful review.

Chris

[Lorry]

Their face doesn't fit is so accurate Chris, but what doesn't it fit??? Someone's preconceived ideas of what's okay and what's not, like some twisted and automated, instant response made, without ever actually looking or knowing what personal hell led to their current plight.
Maybe they are worried the sight of them will upset them enough to not be able to enjoy their overpriced pannini and coffee, as they browse online what designer treats they'll buy next.
Maybe if they put as much effort into wuestioning mp's about the crisis, for that is what it is, as they put into their pointless, vacuous tweets, then maybe they would actually do something about it.
Lets start #nohomesnovote trending. The revolution begins here.
Keep spreading the word, gal 😀

[Chris Shaw]

This subject, dear to my heart Lorry as it is to yours. We call ourselves civilised? I think not. Brace yourself for more weekend storms. It's not over yet. Thank you for checking in.

Chris

[Lorry]

More! Has Kiera finished then? 😀

[Chris Shaw]

She's gone, Dennis has gone and now something else is on the way. Begins with H, sounds like Horlicks but is another right b........,

[Lorry]

Apart from a brief reprieve in the wind, and that big yellow fireball in the sky popping in for about seven minutes, i thought it was the same one 😀
Ps... Don't you just want to slap the idiot with a haddock that started naming them?

[Chris Shaw]

Yes I do, cos there have been so many storms they are gonna start running out of names soon. Also in the interests of equality they have to alternate between a female name and a male name. Silly or what? All storms should be male. The male of the species is usually the one that creates most havoc :)
Now don't hit me with that haddock!

[Lorry]

No comment, I know a trap when i see one 😀

[AJNJ]

I read great cynicism in your lines. But then life is unfair. It weeds out those who don’t fit. Somethings will never change on earth.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your thoughtful review Pestonjee. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

A very powerful and meaningful write
Well done
I recently came across a poet, Georgia Douglas Johnson, who has addressed the same issues
Black Women
Old Black Men
Just two of her excellent pieces that both relate to your poem
Both worth a read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave and for the towards Georgia Douglas Johnson. Will check her out over the weekend. All good wishes.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

A decidedly bleak perspective--which, unfortunately, seems frequently justified.
Miraculously, though, some have made it out of both severe poverty and homelessness;
admittedly, a monumental accomplishment.
With the help of those better situated, it is still possible.
That loving assistance was, of course, precisely what your powerful poem was meant to elicit.
Good on you, Christine!

[Chris Shaw]

Another oldie you have resurrected for an airing Jimmy. I appreciate that very much. Thank you.
read moreAnother oldie you have resurrected for an airing Jimmy. I appreciate that very much. Thank you.

Chris

[Vin]

Thank you for an other relevant poem. You are doing a great work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you viin for appreciating my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Jibey]

The light rhyming style of this poem contrasts powerfully with the serious nature of the subject matter. The effect is to bring us face to face with some of the harsh realities of life - the drop-outs and the rejected, the nonconformists and the unwelcome. 'Spit' was a disturbing word to use - but it made the point.

Your social conscience is strong and you use your poetic talent effectively to goad your readers . Most of us need it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for yet another wonderful review. My social conscience is indeed strong. The homeless situation in our country hurts me. When I have spoken to some of them I was told they have been spat on. That's where spit came from. Yes a disturbing word, but even more disturbing people with no compassion who spit on those they feel inferior. Have a great day Jibey.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

a true commentary on the state of our world -- there are so many things that end up equaling "success", and few of them have to do with the parts of a heart most worthwhile

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for responding to this old poem. Much appreciated.

Chris