Homeless Isn't Helpless

Further thoughts on Homelessness.

 some from birth lack self-worth

lack people skills and tolerance for ills. 

 

homeless isn’t helpless

carefree, invisible, or lazy.

illness isn’t a choice.

hunger isn’t a choice.

addiction isn’t a choice.

 

homeless is hopeless,

is being lost,

is on the outside looking in,

is being stripped to necessities,

is hidden potentials and unused skills,

and is curable.

 

homeless is a failure to communicate.

it’s being hammered by bad luck 

into withdrawn submission.

 

genetic, addictive, compulsive tendencies are

environment-reinforced, condoned by example.

social acceptance is a pleasure not a necessity.

begging is a necessity, not a pleasure.

self worth is learned,

an attitude about ourselves reinforced by others.

 

free expression is a learned ability.

rejection is a root of paranoia.

bottled emotions build 

pressure to dangerous levels.

potentials, suppressed wither and die.

 

an appalling level of close-minded 

judgmental arrogance,

of false superiority,

is wielded as a shield against the reality 

that we are all only a few steps from 

hopeless homelessness.

Reviews

[Constance]

Perfectly expressed. I wish I had read this before that other piece. :)
This is now one of my all-time favorites. The world should read this, because it is so true.

[My Name is Brenda and I..]

Homeless Isn't Helpless should be required reading for anyone that works in a city. Interesting that it is neither a lecture nor an indictment. It is a simple statement of fact. Well done, friend. B.

[Nick Erickson]

I believe you have hit the nail on the head, summing up the reason for homelessness extremely well. It's not helplessness you see in their eyes, it's a lack of hope, sadness... V
Very well written. Well done.

[April Child]

You capture the plight well and this piece leaves me sad. These are the forgotten, almost invisible ones, almost as if its contagious they are avoided and stepped over.

[Deborah Shepard]

Very true having been there the path is sad
but not all to without many new words to take
To borrow the coined phrase, not until the shoes have been worn a bit they fit

[TL Boehm]

It does not escape me as I read this in the relative comfort of suburbia that I myself am only a few paychecks away from this very situation....as are so many of us. Well conveyed truth Rain.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

How true, very adept writing about a difficult problem in our country. Great expression and soulfulness. Thank you for sharing. Well done.
Light,
Siddartha