A bit on the background of this poem. I was assigned to write a poltical poem for a creative Writing class at my college. The political poem is not something that had to do with the candidates but moreso a poltical issue. I chose to write about the homeless people in America. Feedback of any sort is greatly appreciated and thank you for your time to those who stopped through to read it.

America’s Dumpster

You can’t deny it or disguise what lies before your eyes,
When it so blatantly cries out for help,
Cries out for a hand,
For money, change or even a second chance.
“WAR VETERAN IN NEED OF WORK”
“WILL WORK FOR FOOD”
It’s like the part where you know you’ve flubbed a dance move
During a competition where mistakes can’t be corrected.
Sleeping on the stairs of a church.
Outside closed doors as if your religion has not spoken that you’re neglected,
But you vividly remember those doors never being opened,
The feeling of rejection.
Searching for the likes of money by any means,
Because it’s the only way you’re accepted.
Like a broken juke box,
What’s next can’t be predicted
And you start to go senseless losing senses
Because the song you don’t want to hear won’t stop skipping.
And it repeats the part that you cringe upon hearing.
The one that slingshots unwanted emotions.
“Could you please spare some change, I haven’t eaten in 3 days”
They feel plagued and in a daze,
Hoping and wishing for some kind of change
Trying to escape the pain,
Puppy dog eyes.
But we just stare straight or put our heads down,
And though our mind listens and stays
The rest of continues to walk away.

Yep I agree we do walk away many times. But it's a two headed situation. Because when you're working everday busting your behind it's hard to see someone else who's also able bodied that doesn't even try. I know it's hard but sometime you gotta quit asking why me? and step into yourself and say, "What's Next?" Cause ain't nobody gonna give you anything in this world. But you're right though we still need to have compassion once and awhile and give a brother or sister and hand up. Nice Piece Ace!

A sad, but true commentary on life as it is now. I think we turn our eyes from those puppy dog eyes because we know those eyes could be ours with one missed paycheck, or a serious illness, the death of a spouse or a divorce. I shudder to think how it would be for me or any of my family and hope a solution shows itself soon.

Thanks for this commentary, it's a real eye opener!
Gail

One of my most poignant memories is from when our Highschool band went to New Orleans - this was back in '93 I believe - A lovely competition - we won several awards and a grand time was had by all...

In the French Quarter a couple girlfriends and myself were walking and a dude stumbles up and asks "Spare a couple dollars or any change?" -- Me being the smartass of the group says loudly "Hell naw - You betta try getting a job." And off we walked in the other direction - a few of the girls were laughing "Girl you so fuckin crazy..."

Who would have ever thought that I'd one day find myself homeless - I'd actually lived out of my car for more than a few days. It was not as bad as some nightmarish stories I've heard and I was able to get housing sooner rather than later. But there are sometimes just circumstances.... Life has a way of popping you in the head every-once-in-a-while.

There's a spiritual song (I can't remember the title or the lyrics at this moment) But the content is about a homeless guy who just happened to be Jesus. Noone could spare him any change...

Anyway- very interesting write KING - Thanx for the sharing and good luck with the school thang Holla @ ya Girl on IM sometime

Jacquii.

Thank you for the feedback on this poem.

Tha-emissary- You and I have never really been introduced but thank you very much for the feedback. I don't want to offend you or come off in a negative way but I would like you to consider the complications of finding not only a job but a job decent enough for them to get a place to stay. I also recently read this article in one of our local newspapers that highlighted a shelter that homless people gather at and the responses that have been generated because of it. People have expressed they are scared of homeless people and even worse, in some cases accused them of killing individuals because they are nearby the murder scenes. Homeless people for the most part are ignored because of the assumption that says they're alcoholics or drug addicts. these mind states prevent everyday people from even looking towards a homeless person. If they can't even get eye contact what do you think the chances are of that person getting a job?

Ace this couldn't have gotten any better,

I was worried since you hadn't posted in alil while,
but this was worthy of praise,
in fact picks me up after the kind i've been reading lately
keep up with the gift

I Appreciate Your Content But Not really The Way You Express It. You Seem To Be Angry With Life...Cheer On...There Is Much More To It...