the unkind toll of the bells

inspired by Marcie Shepherd's "the self is as self does"

the unkind toll of the bells

 

 

 

 

benevolent mistrust,

the pleading hand slapped---

rebuked, 

money weeping in a pocket of shame

 

those few dollars that could fill a stomach

retracted with thoughts of empty wine bottles

or the next fix

 

Christmas in the alleyway,

the present of a cigarette,

a morsel of food wrapped in waste paper

no ribbons, no pretty bows,  

 

just slow souls dying

long before the body gives way

and that old trench coat is the home

of a heart seen in the eyes of a beggar

 

And all he wanted for Christmas,

was to survive one more day,

with a bit of dignity.

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/20/15

Reviews

[Troy Henson]

A heartfelt write Jacob. Sad to think that so many are in this position and that yes to survive just one more day with dignity seems like a dream rather that a snap shot of reality. All the hype around Christmas and the hard work and stress then in a flash its all gone. If we could spend an equal amount of energy giving some of this to those that dearly need it maybe the festive season would be just that....festive.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you are so right..if only we could or would spend an equal amount of time.

thank you, Troy...

j.

[...]

This is an amazing and touching write, Jacob. I have mixed feelings about this subject. Years ago I use to take people in. I wanted to help them, help themselves. Most of them didn't want help, they wanted handouts. I stopped taking them in. Today, I never give cash, but if I see someone on the street cold, I will give them gloves, socks, a blanket, food. I have a heart for these people, but they have to have a heart for themselves. I hate it when kindness is mistaken for weakness. That is a crime in my book.
Best wishes for you and yours on this holiday season and ever after, Jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think what you do is kind and smart...because yes...many just want handouts...when i worked at the restaurant years ago as a manager...i came upon a guy with a sign..'i will work for food"

i stopped and told him i could get him a job...he told me to scram.
i hear ya, lynn.

thank you for stopping by..always enjoy reading your responses.

j.

[Jimmy Yetts]

"...to survive one more day/ with a bit of dignity," sounds like many people's goal--with or without trench coat.
Classic Christmas message!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

just one more day---one more day...

thank you, Jimmy...

j.

[alifeacoustic]

A wonderful write Jacob, which shows the other side of this not so festive season, where as you say, it is only another day to make it through. If but for fate, it could be any one of us.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, alife.

j.