Lost, Homeless And Walking A Savage Land
Wind driven rain, splattered paper-thin coat
she that had nothing, asked why others gloat
Cast onto savage streets without a home
she had no choice but to haggardly roam
Every night, dangers gave her savage frights
she had to endure many ghastly sights
Knowing that dear family she had lost
she dared to blame herself, pay the high cost
That sad Spring morn, seemed centuries ago
she had suffered her saddest aching blow
Why God let her all perish in fire
What bad had she done to suffer such ire
Husband and sons, had perished that dark morn
she broke down, wished she had never been born
She had seen simmering pile of hot ash
her need to see them, was perhaps too rash
As horrible sight torched her aching heart
she raced away, vowing not to restart
In her pain, punish herself was her goal
somebody had to pay a heavy toll
Each week sent her further into deep blues
O' yes she cried, I now pay all my dues
Within a year she had turned to strong drink
blot on her black-pain, help her not to think
Now she knew, those hard scornful looks so well
why did they not see her living her hell
Barely alive, garbage ate to survive
Dark pit was deep, so further she must dive
Then one bright morn, help she finally found
up from darkest pit, with hope she was bound
A Samaritan had seen her sad plight
had moved Heaven and earth to make things right
Each dawn, she now kneels to this prayer pray
O' dear Lord, how may I serve thee today
Answer comes back, on this well lit path stay
for God loves thee and blesses thee this way
Robert J. Lindley, 3-26-2017
Syllables Per Line:
10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10
10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10
10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10
Total # Syllables: 340
Total # Words: 291
Note- We should be aware that many are homeless are so because of great tragedy and not willful drug/alcohol abuse and other vices.
I knew of one such person, over 35 years ago- that had a mental breakdown due to her husband and two children dying in a house fire while she was away.
She was eventually helped and regained her sanity and much better life--but far too many never get that help.
This poem is inspired from that specific case from ages ago..
On a single night in January 2015, 564,708 people were experiencing homelessness — meaning they were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.
In total, 33 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) reported decreases in overall homelessness, while 16 states reported increases. The states with decreases in homelessness were concentrated in the South and Midwest.
Despite a national decrease in unsheltered homelessness, only 18 states reported decreases in the number of people living in unsheltered locations, including the street, cars, and abandoned buildings. The national decrease in unsheltered homelessness was driven in large part by decreases in unsheltered homelessness in Florida, Texas, and Georgia.
The national rate of homelessness in 2015 fell to 17.7 homeless people per 10,000 people in the general population from 18.3 in 2014. The rates in individual states ranged from 111 in D.C. to 7 in Mississippi.
The rate of veteran homelessness continued its descent of the past several years to 24.8 homeless veterans per 10,000 veterans in the general population. The rates in individual states ranged from 145 in D.C. to 9 in Virginia.
The majority of states had decreases in every major subpopulation: family homelessness (33 states and D.C.), chronically homeless individuals (31 states and D.C.), and veteran homelessness (33 states)
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About 1.56 million people, or about 0.5% of the U.S. population, used an emergency shelter or a transitional housing program
between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009. Around 44% of homeless people were employed.
Last edited by Tyr-Ziu Saxnot; 03-26-2017 at 07:58 AM.
18 U.S. Code § 2381-Treason Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
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