“People who are homeless are not social inadequates. They are people without homes.” – Sheila McKechnie
“Seven out of 10 Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless.”
– Pras Michel
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” – Mother Teresa
Night on the town
Hunched slightly forward
He shuffles
From the steps
Of the coffee house
An old yarn cap
Pulled down
Hiding shaggy grey hair
Hands tremble
Clinging to a small paper cup
Hand out coffee
Black skin
Mingles with the night
His slight form
Hovers over
The un-cleared table
On the sidewalk
A ragged coat
Nearly swallows him
Turning cautiously
Side to side
He claims a half eaten baguette
As his own
Huddled tightly
In a white plastic chair
He savors this feast
Morsel by morsel
Plucked from a hiding place
Beneath his arm
Tonight will be good
Without the pangs
Of hunger
He can brave the cold
Bisous,
Léa
you caught a moment in time perfectly – beautifully rendering of a subject that needs to come to light
Thank you. You are right, the more light the better.
i wonder if homelessness in America is different than in Oz, because of having less government support? Or maybe we need to look at the homeless here, differently. You’re so right – homeless is not necessarily inadequate (though I guess sometimes it is).
There are so many homeless in America and many are children. Now that I live in France, I do not see it here.
i want t o give him a coat
I do understand. Thanks!
you made me see him.. really well penned lea..and i love that mother teresa quote…so true..she was a wise woman and has seen a lot during her life..
Thank you. It means a lot to hear that from someone whose work I admire.
A sad, but happy write with a message that needs to be shared often. I enjoyed it and all that you shared in your heart’s words!
You are right of course! Many do not want to hear about it but I must say it anyway. Thank you.