Street Signs

some have lost feet, legs or eye

cars pass by, denying reply

many see no one there

ignoring their stare

some wince or sigh

 

some look with sad story cries

wares of despair for merchandise

many plead compassion

second-hand fashion

some advertise

 

some just drop out or hang in

beggars depend on ploys veiled thin

many hold poignant signs

hand-lettered designs

some give a flag pin

 

 

 

Reviews

[cest la vie]

This poem just reached in and touched me at the core. The humans you have honored by writing about are ones who I have the immense pleasure of drinking coffee with every week. These men/women are just overlooked as discountable. I absolutely adore this poem. Honest to goodness, it's superb.

Thank you for this poem.

[Divinity Sleeps in This]

This piece has such lyrical swagger, no song-slagger or something to do with marvelous phrasing, it blew me away.

[Poeticadia]

Simply said, this poem captures exactly what it intends to show. It exemplifies this busy worlds disregard for the homeless and the circumstances that have brought them to this point. I like the way it is unfussed by capitals and presents no grand statements but simply 'shows' what many choose not to see. And there is a poignancy in that last word 'pin' that completes the poem so perfectly.

[Phibby Venable]

many plead compassion

second-hand fashion (sad that they have to)
this is incredibly sharp & depicts a never ending ache
of humanity, hope and despair. excellent writing.

[cartera]

Excellent poem on a subject not much written about. Created with minimalist use of word pictures. Well done.
ATB
Alex.

[Jenny Nelson]

How touching and how true. You get so much across to the reader without saying a lot, but by painting a very vivid picture. Certainly a thought provoking statement on the homeless.

[Bud]

We are not where we should be as a country or as a society. Being the nation that we are here in America, there should be no homeless or anyone in need. Yes, it is true that every society has a certain level of poverty, but that does not excuse our statistics. On any given day there is approximately 1,000,000 people homeless and either living in the streets or some sort of shelter. If every household in the U.S. donated $120. per year, this would help solve the homeless problem. We choose to ignore those in need, deeming that they want to be where they are at. Granted, there are those who choose to be there. But most never asked for it. And with the labeling our society manufactures, it's near impossible for most to ascend to a higher ground. Many are mislabeled crack heads, or junkies. When the truth is that they never touch the stuff. It's too easy when one is up on their feet, and in good health to look down and tell another, "Get up!". Did that person bother to notice that the person to whom they are speaking has been begging for help for quite some time. And now has become disillusioned with our illusion, seeing reality as it truly is. Yes, many foundations are available for help. But I challenge you to go out with nothing into the streets. Stay for a week or two or even a month. Adjust to the lifestyle. Dirty clothing, smelling, unkempt. Try to seek help, and see how far you get...
Thank you for sharing such an important message. Outstanding piece of poetic expression.

[Tracie Skarbo]

This is a great look at life on the streets, and those who often get overlooked by those who have more. Those who don't want to be disturbed by the thought of someone going without. Charles de Lint always writes about such souls, giving them life and writing their stories for them. He is a master of fantasy and whimsy. I enjoyed your poem very much. I think you have brought them justice and hopefully have lifted the veil of blindness for some. Nicely done

[Tate Morgan]

I agree this is a good poem i like it much

[Hoshi Nami]

This is really well done. The rhyme is perfect in my opinion because it does not give off the impression of being forced at all. To me, this piece could and should become lyrics to a great song. Bravo.