Homeless Poem by Madathil Rajendran Nair
Homeless
The sky was overcast in greys
Its hue had got into her eyes
As she sat smoking some cheap cigar
In her motorized wheelchair
In front of the Presbyterian church
Her legs that had never ever perched
Hanging limp like scarecrow snakes
A homeless old invalid
Of the mightiest state
On the globe - the United States
Maples had turned purple
Birches golden yellow
In the church courtyard
With change of seasons
Yet, her eyes were smoky
A desolation ancient and dusky
Nature has no discipline
She should have seen
The anguish in the grey eyes
And paused for a while
Before smiling in glee
It was five in the evening
The cold was biting
Free dinner at the church
Was still two hours from thence
She complained, she should have patience
Till then, if she wished
To sleep on a half-filled stomach at least
Without disturbance
A visitor to the United States
I could only mouth some pleasantries
Say adieu and leave in a hurry
The grey eyes in despair remained
Fixed on a hapless sky
Which then decided to rain
Tear-drops in empathy down
On a homeless evening
That had no statehood
But a universal ache
Global and galactic
A distressed psyche wailed
Somewhere there with a dying bird
Was it a skylark, nightingale, who cares
In a world that has long gone destitute
A very touching spectacle! Even in the midst of affluence, such sights are not uncommon! I had a feeling that unlike as in India, homeless are very rare in the affluent states, but during my visit to the US, I realized that penury is there in every part of the world! Yes, 'the world has long gone destitute' not only in riches but in compassion and kindness. At least the church is ready to dole out a little comfort! A great poem which also reflects the pain of a feeling heart! Full 10
Full of empathy this wonderful poem is remarkable in its composition and the emotions incorporated. A beautifully narrated incident...a casual encounter with the harsh realities of life transforming into a great piece of writing. A super 10.
What the world needs today is empathy and compassion especially towards the sick and the decrepit. As we bemoan this sorry state of affairs, I hope one day the world will turn around and embrace them with a kiss of hope. A beautiful poem that brings out the sorry state of affairs.
Destitute and needy people are everywhere. You poem brings out the need for compassion and care. Thank you.
There is homelessness everywhere in the world. It is one of the most heart-breaking effects of war, disease, addiction, failing economy, tyranny and selfishness. There are strides being made but they are like trying to drain the ocean a teaspoon at a time. We have cities who use taxes to build houses for the homeless- most of these houses are small but they do provide warmth and the essentials. Some are downright cute. There are even private citizens in our country who build stout shelters and present them to the homeless with a lock and a key to keep them safe. My church [and I'm sure thousands of others] provide blankets, warm gloves and hats and socks as well as food to the homeless here and also caravan vehicles full of these essentials to Portland and Seattle. There are homeless shelters for men and homeless shelters for women and families. The efforts from private people [and children! ] is magnificent but the problem continues to be overwhelming in America as well as many countries in the world. I wouldn't say from what I witness that this problem continues because of a lack of humanity and love for our fellow man. A thought provoking poem, Madathil.
A heart touching spectale has been presented brilliantly. Beautiful poem shared. Thanks.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/2/2024 12:40:56 PM # 1.0.0.1119
This image is one of the most touching and heart-breaking brought to the minds eye. the universal ache continues unabated. Saying something about our plight, our lost vision in the mad rush of humanity we lose ourselves.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting. Appreciate it very much.