Winter Streets

 

Bernie sanders : There but for the grace of God go I. 

My house shakes from the wind tonight

the Nor-Easter sweeps to and fro

A-whistling down out of the North

from icicled lands bound in snow

 

The poor I see go back and forth

across the roads of my hometown

As winter storms engulf their souls

like bowling pins to be knocked down

 

Inside my home the weather's warm

outside a wicked gale does blow

I can't help thinking to myself

of those who have no where to go

 

I find it hard to rest myself

while brothers walk the lamp lit cold

As bad it must be for the young

it is a nightmare to the old

 

Tonight I'll brave the surly streets

who can say they know what their role

Perhaps we're here for fortunes sake

to share the warmth with one lost soul

 

No claim to copyright fair use assumed 

 

Author's Note

On a cold wintry Vermont morning a de-shoveled man and Bernie Sanders walked into a shoe store on Church St in Burlington Vermont. Bernie had made his acquaintance while walking down the street. The man didn't have proper footwear for the cold. Bernie tells the clerk to fit him him with the best winter boots he has. Bernie pays the shop keeper shakes the mans hand and leaves. No media,no story,just Bernie!
Story accurately portrayed as it was rendered by eye witness Jeffery Weigand

Reviews

[Magdelena]

Well let me say first of all one thing. You are one of the best talents on this site by my way of thinking. Now that being said, I will go on to say that you have a knack in bringing forth writes that not only touch ones heart, but also are able to make them weep from the feel of your words. And in my opinion if one is not able to feel your words, then they just aren't reading it as they should. And that is with an open mind, heart, and soul!

This was perfection.. Don't care if someone feels the rhyming is forced, for it's not. The words man, the words! Look within the words, that's what it's all about.. Sorry if there may be any mispelling here. Then agian I'm not the one being rated am I! (Smile)


Maggie xx

[GreenSkeleton16]

The meaning behind the poem is so sweet and I wish there were more people who think like you do. Reminds me of the song by phil collins "Another day in paradise" brilliantly written!

[Alicia Schroeder]

Beautiful piece. It brought a tear to my eye. It I sad to see, even harder when you start to wonder is it there choice to live that way or did some unfortunate event put them in these harsh conditions, which sometimes teaches us a lesson.. I wish there where some way to help all the homeless in our country and others. But your write was warm and genuine, it really makes our hearts go out to the less fortunate.. Thank you for sharing

[Tate Morgan]

It was meant to make us think . As I cannot think of a soul who wishes to live in the subzero of this weather thank you

[Mark]

I had a similar turn of mind early in 2006, after Katrina obliterated such a vast swath of the South, and all I had to do was pack a bag and hitch a ride, and did not until rather much later begin to rue the irreplaceable losses of the thousands who had never lived more than eight blocks from the houses which were no more; whose parents, grandparents, siblings and a hundred other kin all lived within a ten-mile radius. Why, do you suppose it is, that we most appreciate our own vast blessings when compelled to consider how lightly or not-at-all-blessed are our neighbors, and how deep is our shame when we perceive how grateful they are for the little they had!

[Tate Morgan]

Oh you hit the nail on the head here. i too had the opportunity But didnt take it to my eternal shame !!! I doubt i will ever forgive myself. Merry Christmas Mark and a happy new year.

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

The photo you used is very appropriate. Good poem about the winter and the plight of those living in poverty during this time of year.

[Tate Morgan]

thanks cher Sad though isnt it ?

[Richard Layne]

Great time of year to be reminded of giving and to be thankful to what we have. nice job sir.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you very much

[TPK Stories]

You are so right Tate...sometimes we nay tend to take things for granted... we should all learn to embrace the poor... and those who are hurting...awesome write...

[Tate Morgan]

we are the only friends they may have and should remember that there but for the grace of god go I

[Mockingbird]

a good reminder for us to be grateful for our blessings.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Mockingbird It is indeed

[Judy]

This is very different than your usual fare - but I love it - poetically it is perfect - and you hit the nerve that all of us feel at this time of the year - with me you hit it even harder because I work with the mentally ill and formerly homeless= and it irks me what happens in this time of the year - so....

[Tate Morgan]

I am glad you like this it is a dream that shpould be a reality

[Rita L. Sev]

So blessed to be safe and warm, and your poem vividly illustrates that point.

[Tate Morgan]

Yes we are and may that be the truth someday for everyone

[Rachelle]

What can we do to uplift? Beyond giving them a place to stay and food to eat, how do we change attitudes and skills so that lives will truly be transformed?

[Tate Morgan]

We could pay them a living wage Just a thought

[Rachelle]

give a man a fish or teach a man to fish?