Of the poems I have had published this is a favorite. My first and
today the reality is still going on. Not all the homeless want to be
homeless. Not all are drug addicts. When my niece died in her tragic
accident. Though the driver of the Porsche was on drugs and committing
suicide. Local homeless came to praise her. She took the time to go to
their camps and with her own monies take care of them. They stood outside
the Church until we invited them in.This is about taking care of homeless
in two true poems
The first was written shortly after Mom died. I was sitting on the front
of my building in a maudlin condition. Three bums came from their camping
spot near the canal. I looked at them with loathing. Two went on one came
towards me. I was sure for a handout. Instead he said" Have the bells of
the Church chimed yet?" They began to chime. He made the sign of the Cross and
bowed in prayer. I wrote this for him. First version was White Church on the
Hill I changed it to
"let NO MAN BE DENIED!"
I spied the steeple of a Church
High upon a lofty perch
From miles, upon an unkempt hill
One could see the spire still
Inside peoples voices sang about
Peace throughout the land without a doubt
The choir sang song of love and fellowman
In came a drunk with trembling hand
He staggered up and threw the door
In the White Church collapsing on the alter floor
The congregation shouted, "Throw the bum out.
For they were in unison in their shout
Up stepped a man with loving heart
Gave of his tithe money for his start
Years passed a new Church to be built on the spot
This man now sober the tithe was not forgot
From the back he came with a generous gift
"When I was down this church gave me a lift!"
Today the Church stands proud for all to see
For in one voice the choir sings, some even cried
The words of love, "let no man be denied!!"
And for my niece at her funeral her children
let balloons loose to fly to Mom I wrote
To Staci
To soar
to seek
embrace the sky
alas no wing have I!
Her walk so gentle
Yet aloft
As a baby bird on it's maiden flight
Her voice so soft
a mere whisper in the night
No more beautiful woman
I must say
Than she as beautiful coming towards
As the day the lord took her away
Today her children and mine are best friends
Three are in the same college and one soon to be