I see them
He has his four-legged buddy
Pulled close to his chest
The two of them
Down
But
Not
Out
And the tears well up
Inside me
I break a 20-dollar-bill
When I purchase my coffee
And give him what I can
The dog–
A wagging tail,
Happy to see someone stop
And pay him a decent amount
Of attention
The young man–
Young, but old, tired–
Torn
He
Has
On
The pants of our
Nation, yet he isn’t
Fighting anymore.
I hide my tears when talking
To him. I save them for later.
I pull off,
Knowing that tomorrow
I’ll probably stop by
Just because
I can.
It’s my gift to him
For being a brother
Struggling alongside
His best friend who wouldn’t
Stray away if someone
Wanted nothing more than to
Scoop him up and shower him with
Toys.
He is his own version of
Humanity, sitting
Waiting
For
His
Luck
To change.
Author’s Note: Just as I was pulling into Starbucks, I glanced across the street to the McDonald’s parking lot and just behind all of the commotion, tucked in neatly by the trees was a young man, his belongings, and his dog. I don’t handle seeing anyone less fortunate than myself well at all. I tear up, I get extremely sad and I want very much to help everyone, it’s one of the reasons why I volunteer at one of the local homeless shelters here in my area. It’s one of the reasons why I do what I can when I am out and about and someone needs, truly needs help. His dog, a pit-bull mix, friendly pup, jumped up to my car window as I talked to the young man. He had on army-wear with a matching cap, and a jacket. I tried my best not to cry in front of him and as soon as I pulled off, I let the tears flow. I have been shaking them off since I got back home and I just give up. I am a bumbling, fumbling mess now. But, my presence, my gift to him, our short conversation, was a blessing to not only him, but to me as well. I don’t care what you do today, take a moment to be thankful for what you have. Then take ten more to be thankful for everything you know you’ve ever been blessed with when you needed it most.
Peace and blessings.
I love your beautiful heart, my friend. You inspire me to be kinder, and more compassionate. Thank you for posting this. ❤️
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It’s always an eye opener for me, Deb. Always. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed your birthday! 😊
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You are amazing Tre and a beautiful soul. A deep breath of gratitude for the gifts this life offers!
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Peace, Pragal. I appreciate you reading and the kind words. A very big hug to you and your young one.
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My pleasure Tre. Much Love and big hug 🙂
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💙
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Thank you for sharing. It breaks my heart to see another struggling like this. I am glad that I have not become numb and I am continuing to nurture gratitude, although I am sure, I have no idea how lucky I am. Peace to you my blogging friend.
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Peace to you as well, Ali.
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You’re a good egg, Tremaine.
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Thanks, kelley. I’m trying.
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this was powerful and heartfelt… you are a kind soul my friend ❤
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Thank you for reading and your kind words. But, you are too.
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❤ ❤ my pleasure and thank you 🙂
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You’re most welcome. 😊
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Happy Belated Birthday, Just learnt from Kim! 🙂
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Oh, goodness! Thank you! You’re right on time! Please hug your little one Oreo for us. 😊
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❤ ❤ Will do hugs to your little princess as well!
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Gotcha. I shall. We’re going back to sleep now. It’s been a long day. 😊
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This is going to sound trite but have you ever read a poem that was so good you didn’t know what to say? But because it was that good? That’s how I feel.
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I have. Many people get that reaction out of me with their work. Thank you, that’s huge. I appreciate it. 😊
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You beautiful Lady. Thank You for Your poem, Your wide-open heart and volunteer work. And for the reminder. Dear Lord. I lived in the city for years and saw so many broken people. It’s very hard to see anyone suffering. And….God. My book, ‘The Intrepid Now of Mr. White’ is about a night, in San Francisco, when I was very young and a new friend and I took in a homeless man. It still breaks my heart. I visited my son in India for a couple of months and saw things there that made me cry as well. Spilling all over myself in a long winded Thank You. You touched a nerve in my heart. We, no matter what we may have going on, are so very fortunate. Very, very. Sending HUGE hugs. ❤️🙏🏼☀️
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Trust me, it is a constant reminder for me, things could be ENTIRELY different. Peace to you. Thank you for reading and your words here too.
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Absolutely. Peace to You as well. 💖
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😊
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Your beautiful heart never ceases to amaze me.
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Hello, my beautiful friend. 💙 *gives you a big hug*
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((((HUGS))))
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This made me cry as I know your heart holds the world in it and what you did is a blessing indeed ❤ ❤ You've a heart of gold my friend and sharing it with those in need is such a beautiful thing. Bless you Tre ❤ ❤
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*gives you a big hug* I adore that heart of yours, Kim. Thank you.
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hugs back at you my friend, hope your weekend has been filled with good things ❤ got a storm moving in this afternoon, we need the rain, looking forward to it ❤
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We have one coming this way as well and we can definitely use the rain too. I’m off to see “A Wrinkle In Time”. And my weekend has been awesome so far. I hope yours has. 😊
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What a powerful poem and heartfelt reminder. You set an example and you make us think. Thank you.
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I keep it in my head, Peggy, that “it can happen to anyone” and I try my best to acknowledge what I am grateful for daily. Thank you and thank you for reading.
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Yes, it can happen to anyone. I donate when and what I can.
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*big hugs* You’re amazing. There’s plenty of us around willing to love and understand. That’s a beautiful thing. If we could just overthrow evil, it’d be even better.
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Brought tears to my eyes also. Thank you for being the beautiful spirit that you are. 💕
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Betty, thank you. I appreciate you for reading. Peace and blessings.
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You are such a wonderful human being. This post has brought a smile to my face, as well as tears. People like you replenish my faith in this world. Thank you for all that you are ❤ keep doing what you're doing.
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Peace to you. It’s life teaching me lessons. I’m grateful for it, hurt by some of what I see too. Thank you for reading.
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Thank you for this reminder to always be grateful, and to care for each other well.
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Patty, I thank you for reading. You’re most welcome.
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