Behind the Poem

I have decided to try something different as a gift to family and friends who support my work. I will be featuring a poem once in a while I have written based on something that has had a big impact on my life.  This poem is based on what I have seen, not only in my backyard of Central Florida, but in other parts of the world. Homelessness is real.  There are countless people worldwide who need support. In addition to a lack of food and shelter, some of these people have a myriad of health problems and have to cope with weather conditions that are in many cases too extreme. More needs to be done. Although I admire trying to find a solution for those who live on the streets with temporary shelters, I believe an actual roof and warm daily meals give a better sense of hope and purpose. This poem was originally published in NUIG ROPES magazine supporting Galway Simon Community charity that provides housing, healthcare and support to the homeless. Here is a link to their cause. https://www.galwaysimon.ie/

Afraid

I see him against the railings,
his hair is tangled
his clothes are ripped.
His unbroken stare
looks ahead to a current
he doesn’t know is there.
I can’t smell him as I pass‒
the air in Ireland is always crisp.
Is he cold I wonder,
has he had anything to eat?

I want to stop and ask
but I’m afraid.
Afraid,
like the time I made balloon animals
for the clinically insane
and a woman ran after me
screaming profanities;
I couldn’t understand her pain.

Or the time I gave food to a disabled man.
His friend followed me down the street shouting
“I am a vet too. I also suffered!”
“I wish I could help all of you,” I said
before my brother
whisked me away by the hand.

Or the time in Dublin
when a man outside a trinket shop
extended his left arm,
exposing a twisted blue band
and showing me the bleeding syringe.
Yes, I am afraid.
What if the man
propped against the railings
is afraid too?

Afraid to be cold.
Afraid to be hungry.

Afraid‒
to die alone.