At dVerse Lisa is hosting Poetics with an invitation to consider four paths. I chose Fringe though edge works just as well.
dVerse Poets – Poetics – Edges and Fringes
“People who are homeless are not social inadequates. They are people without homes.” Sheila McKechnie
Fringe Angel Suddenly, on life's vacant fringe, one cool autumn morn, she appeared before me, apart from the crowd, with her tottering gait and pungent threads with a sacredness of holes and Job's necrous ash, her trolley full of rainbow's hope, she took in the vendor's stern eye and moved along, "not my problem" he muttered to no one but the sky, leaving me wondering, why is she not my problem? Later, I saw her in the park, tongues of fire all around her, and a dove on her hand. ©Paul Vincent Cannon
parallax 
My scalp is tingling on this one, Paul.
“pungent threads with a
sacredness of holes and
Job’s necrous ash, her
trolley full of rainbow’s
hope”
and oh what an edge:
“why is she not my problem?”
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I felt so connected to this, when you said your scalp was tingling I kew what you meant immediately, I was so moved writing it, thank you so much for your very thoughtful response.
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❤
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p.s. LOVE the title!
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That made my day, thank you Lisa.
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🙂
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what a great depiction of a story we all know so well Paul👏👏👏👏👏
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My sentiments exactly! I was very moved by Paul’s depiction.
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I so much agree Liz! 💖
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Very kind Liz, thank you for that.
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You’re welcome, Paul.
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Thank you so much for that Cindy.
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You’re most welcome!
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You painted a portrait with words, Paul. This is – art.
-David
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ooo “sacredness of holes” ending with tongues of fire and a dove… I like it!
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Yes, the whole trip, something beyond words really, thank you so much Ruth.
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it breaks my heart … thanks for noticing the invisible!
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Yes, I feel that too, so often invisible and demeaned. Thank you Kate.
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I was only one step away from such a life after living off my savings for a decade … it can happen to any of us!
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Yes, my parents were very close, we were on tenterhooks for some time (the house was repossessed) it sure can happen to anyone.
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Your words were art that brought her to life. We saw her ,…. I know we did!
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Very kind Beverly, thank you for the passionate response.
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The juxtaposition of “tongues of fire” and “a dove on her hand” and the metaphors are powerful. Why is homelessness a problem in our land of plenty? I have spent time in a part of Phoenix lined with tents, homes for many. This is just one of many questions I have pondered when talking to homeless humans.
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Yes, I wonder that same thing, we have waste and over-abundance, yet there are starving and homeless people around me.
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A senseless situation that seems solvable. Maybe I am oversimplifying it.
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No, not at all, it is that simple, but public institutions and political leaders are disinclined and make it complex, sadly. It is that simple so why not do it?
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I concur. There are innovative ways to practice humanity and compassion and some local leaders are doing just that, but not enough.
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Loved this! The ending is poignant and thought provoking.
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Thank you so much for the thoughtful response Carol, much appreciated.
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Paul, Homelessness is very sad. I talked with a few homeless people when I lived in DC. One woman told me that she had been a college professor.
Sadly, a large percentage of homeless people in the US are mentally ill or alcoholic. Preferring their freedom, many refuse to go to shelters. Some have income from Social Security or veterans benefits, My son sometimes prepares food and gives it to homeless people who hang out in a nearby park.
Thank you for a poem that recognizes the humanity of homeless people. ❤
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Thank you for sharing this Cheryl, much the same over here, and while government blames, the communities generally try to help. I am glad to know that you connected and I am thrilled that your son is living compassion, wonderful. 🙂
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Wow… really powerful.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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🙂
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😊✨👍
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Hi Paul , arthritis flaring, typing excruciating, but good work!
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Nasty stuff arthritis, I really appreciate that you follow through and responded Rob, thank you so much for that.
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Oh my goodness, this is the most beautiful poem I’ve read…words anointed with Holy balm.
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Thank you so much for the beautiful response Zelda, wow!
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You are sincerely welcome, Sir.
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🙂
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Your poem … should be read by every ‘thinking’ person in the world. Awesome write!!!
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Thought provoking.
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I am happy to provoke, and in this case I am passionate about it, thank you very much Rupali.
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Wow powerful confronting poem
>
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Thank you.
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