Photo: unsplash.com
The Homeless Man
The homeless man had no claim on you
but you imagined it so
and resented him
for intruding your conscience
and awakening the possibility
that you might be his one
serendipitous moment,
accusing him of wanting money
you did not have, and
compassion you could not find,
without a word you judged him
while unaware
his very silence shamed you.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
powerfully profound … even friendly greeting helps 😦
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, a friendly greeting humanises so simply, thank you Kate. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here in Seattle this is epidemic. Overwhelming. I think we all want to help but just can’t. That’s part of the shame if it. The way the city is run has attracted people from all over to end up here. It was meant to be altruistic and it’s ruined the city. Tents and garbage everywhere is beginning to equal disdain and that’s too bad, really.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember this problem when I visited Seattle years ago. Sad that it is now worse.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s way worse. The police are afraid to enforce the law that they’ll get crucified on social media, and why enforce it when they just get out the same day and have nowhere to go? It’s a shame.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear that, sounds awful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To make eye contact, to speak to him . . . everyone has that much to give.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, the botom line of humanity, thanks Janet.
LikeLike
“without a word you judged him” Yes, so true just through lack of eye contact we do that. Yet, if we approached someone for directions and they put their head down and kept walking, our first reaction would be how rude. Even a simple, no I’m sorry I can’t help, at the very least shows our humanity. Timely, issue you write of, here on my holiday, homelessness is quite prevalent.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, I think it is growing around the world, and in the west in particular. I think eventually it will bite governments who have ignored the root cause.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed. For the last 10 or so years Medicine Hat in Alberta has had a very successful program in dealing with homelessness. I think many cities could learn from this. Here’s a link in case you are interested in reading about it. https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2018/06/09/hats-homeless-efforts-evolving/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the link Heather, very kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a positive and hopeful way forward. Better than the spikes and police cautions we have here, plus the removal of their meagre property.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It is hard to understand the blame and punishment perspective and lack of initiative to look at the root causes of the problem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely, and this is no longer an aberration, it is a clear policy failure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this positive initiative, you must be rightly proud! If only more countries, Ireland included, were as pro-active!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Agreed, if only, but if one place can do it, then we all can – hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It makes me hopeful when I learn of these initiatives, but it is only one small city in such a large country. I wish there were more places in Canada being pro-active.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes I share that for here in Australia, but like you, I remain hopeful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has to start somewhere, with people pressure and a will to do good it will spread to other cities! Well done Canada.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, well done Canada.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so true!
A great point Paul.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sadly so, and thank you Rupali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading your writing is pleasure Paul.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Very kind, thank you so much Rupali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😢😢😢
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
You get right to the heart of the matter, Paul.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Sandy, much appreciated
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellently written♡
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, very kind 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for that Luisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, yes! You know how to paint a picture/ insert a message, Paul.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Such a wonderful compliment VJ thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Paul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a powerful message, it strikes the heart of most of us I feel sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it often brings a jolt for me, and the younger ones – tear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it seems we could do more, esp for the children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very powerful poem Paul, maybe it will create a ripple effect and bring about some small change for the better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I live hopefully about this, so yes, hoping for change, I have sen some small changes locally here – lockers for the homeless built by the city council.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a positive initiative and a good starting point…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I really feel that too, thank you so much.
LikeLike
Excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am nominating you for The Mystery Blogger Award. You can check it out on my blog for today, April 22nd. No obligation! Just appreciation for you and your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for that Vicklea, most kind indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes. I’m planning a piece on this issue too. It is ironic that it is not even on the agenda now, if you know what I mean.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do Tracey, we have lost our humanity in politics.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great piece, Paul!
We donate to the Illinois Food Bank. People need to do more and education has a lot to do with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful to hear, and I agree, we all need to do more, especially education.
LikeLike
Marvelous poem, Paul…the homeless situation, which is NOT a situation–it is PEOPLE–is hard and complicated. In the US, my sympathy for them is often criticized, because it’s true that some of the homeless population choose the streets over the bureaucratic b.s. which would provide housing and other services. I don’t know the answers…if I see someone with a sign, and I feel I’m safe, I give them what I have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes there are people, well said. The politicians need to model a better attitude and positive policy for starters.
LikeLike
That would help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Charles 🙂
LikeLike
“resented him
for intruding your conscience
and awakening the possibility
that you might be his one
serendipitous moment”
Yes, this is the process people go through in justifying their cold heartedness or even their turning a blind eye. Such a paradigm shift to imagine that we have the potential to be someone’s serendipitous moment… so powerful and well written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for sharing,.
LikeLike
Thought provoking but sadly true I think
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very sad.
LikeLike