Every day, I drive down the street in my truck.
I see the homeless people standing on the sidewalk;
Beggars holding up a sign, asking for a buck.
In the summertime:
I enjoy the air-conditioning,
As they sweat in the heat of the sun.
In the wintertime:
I’m seated in my heated cab,
As they stand and shiver in the cold.
I’m uncharitable, when I drive by.
When they stare at me, I turn away;
Because I don’t dare, to even give them a smile.
I have a job and a family, to love and support;
I have a home and a truck, I have a heavy duty.
But why is it, that I have so much,
And they have so little?
Are they lonely and sad,
Or just trying to make me feel bad?
When they were children,
Did they ever dream of growing up to be,
Fathers and mothers or even a poet like me?
Why am I not begging; why are they not riding–free?
Heartless people say: “You can’t help everybody!”
Others say they choose their destiny,
By continuing to make mistakes.
And it isn’t my place, to get in the way,
Of the consequences:
“How else will we ever learn our lessons?”
Every day, I drive down this road in my truck.
I see the fatherless children sitting on the grass;
And still, I judge and condemn them.
I’m not the one, that’s stuck.
It’s not my fault, I didn’t cause their bad luck.
Oh Jesus, then why do I feel like a schmuck?
By: ElRoyPoet © 2018
I Work More Than 40 Hours A Week And I’m Homeless
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Commentary: There’s a universal belief that success and self-worth are nearly identical and if you’re rich you must be either be smart or hardworking. But if you’re poor you must’ve messed up somewhere along the way. People like to believe that they’ve gotten to where they are, because they’re talented or have earned it. That could be true to some extent, but it’s also a fact, that there are people who could have been equally smart or talented and not in their position, because of the barriers that were erected to impede them. It’s hard to sit with the idea, that maybe somebody else deserves to be where they are, more than they do. I think almost everybody, wants to be able to tell a story of making it on their own. However, does that give them the right to hate the less fortunate?
Throughout life, individuals face numerous challenges that can alter their beliefs and perspectives. It’s not uncommon for people to blame others for their faults and shortcomings because acknowledging personal flaws can lead to low self-esteem. Blaming others for one’s weaknesses perpetuates a victim mentality and hinders personal growth. While it is true that upbringing and environment play a significant role in shaping one’s character, it is up to an individual to take responsibility for their own lives.
Validating an individual based solely on their abilities can foster a competitive and intolerant mindset where people are encouraged to focus solely on themselves and their achievements, which could potentially disregard the needs of others. This prejudiced attitude can create a hostile environment that does not foster compassion and empathy. Consequently, interacting with impatient bigots becomes counterproductive as they may perceive non-affluent people to be ignorant or hysterical. Bullies, in particular, demonstrate no sympathy and escalate confrontations, callously pushing the victim to experience anxiety, depression, or even a nervous breakdown.
When someone’s worth is based solely on their perceived status, it can lead to the belief that those who have achieved the most are most deserving of resources and opportunities, while those who have not are deemed unworthy. This attitude punishes individuals facing hardships, as their struggles are seen as a result of their own inadequacies, rather than a product of various life circumstances. In conclusion, recognizing that individuals are defined by their struggles, experiences, and values, not just their accomplishments, creates a more peaceful community that fosters human connection and belonging.
5 lessons from the coronavirus about inequality in America
“Since it’s often impossible to get a reasonable sense of what will happen in the future, it’s unfair to blame people with good intentions who end up worse off as a result of unforeseen circumstances. This leads to the conclusion that compassion, not blame, is the appropriate attitude towards those who act in good faith but whose bets in life don’t pay off…Despair thrives where empathy is missing; right now, our lack of compassion for one another is killing us…No matter how smart we think we are, there’s a hard limit on what we can know, and we could easily end up on the losing end of a big bet. We owe it to ourselves, and others, to build a more compassionate world.” Excerpt from The mathematical case against blaming people for their misfortune
America’s Last Affordable Housing Is Under Threat
20 Bible Verses about the Poor
Prompt for Poem: Homelessness is a persistent problem in our society, and it is painful to see people living on the streets and struggling to survive. Every day, as I drive down the road in my truck, I see homeless individuals standing on the sidewalk, holding up signs and asking for help. I am aware of their suffering, but I also feel a sense of distance and separation, as though their struggles are not my own.
It is easy to forget that I am privileged in many ways, with a job, a home, and a family who love and support me. I have never experienced the fear and uncertainty of not knowing where I will sleep at night or how I will find my next meal. But why do some people have so much while others have so little? Is it a matter of choice or fate, or something beyond our control?
As I reflect on these questions, I am struck by the realization that homelessness is not just an individual problem, but a systemic one. It is not enough to provide charity to those in need; we must also work to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. That means advocating for policies that provide affordable housing, living wages, and access to health care and education.
It is easy to feel helpless or overwhelmed in the face of such a complex issue, but we can all start by cultivating empathy and compassion for those who are struggling. We can acknowledge their humanity and dignity, even if we cannot fully understand their experiences. We can also support organizations and initiatives that provide resources and services to homeless individuals and families.
As I continue to drive down the road in my truck, I know that I cannot solve homelessness by myself. But I also know that I can choose to be part of the solution, rather than turning away from the problem. It may not be easy, but it is necessary if we want to create a more just and compassionate world.
Freeman Poet 